Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has great respect for Michael Chandler, but the fighter says Chandler is a difficult athlete to coach.
Lightweight contender Michael Chandler has been on hold waiting for Conor McGregor to come back out of retirement finally. However, after many delays and pushbacks, Chandler is coming out of that wait and taking on a new opponent.
The bout is set to have a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The fighters had their first clash at UFC 262, where Oliveria won by second-round TKO and claimed the belt. Aspinall will be in attendance to watch Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic clash, but he also looks forward to watching Chandler perform.
“I think Mike Chandler, especially, he’s got to be one of the most frustrating people to coach ever,” Aspinall told TNT Sports. “Because tactics when he fights are just completely out the window, and he just goes for it. He’s just basically having a street fight with a pair of gloves on, it’s fantastic to watch.”
“ He just fights with pure aggression and athleticism, really,” Aspinall said. “Obviously, he’s very technical, but he chooses not to use that in a way. For me, sometimes I love technique. I love the finesse of fighting. But sometimes, just like anybody else, I just like to watch a good scrap. So this guy’s entertainment every time.”
Aspinall believes the fight will be just as vicious as their first matchup. Oliveira is considered one of the most potent finishers in UFC history, and many, including Aspinall, believe the match is a well-conceived battle.
“Put these two guys in,” Aspinall said. “You close the octagon doors, you ring the bell, and it’s just going to be absolute chaos. So I’m looking forward to being cage-side for that one.”
Chandler has earned four bonuses in five octagon appearances, thrilling fans with incredible knockouts and barnburners. With a decorated collegiate wrestling background and dynamite in his hands, Chandler is an all-around threat. Still, Aspinall thinks the former Bellator champion doesn’t always lean on the necessary skillset when he competes.
