Michael Chandler, the former Bellator lightweight champion, has made a jaw-dropping prediction that the upcoming fight between him and Conor McGregor will sell out an NFL stadium.
Chandler, who is set to face McGregor in the main event of UFC 257 on January 23, believes that the fight will be so popular that it will fill an NFL stadium.
The 34-year-old American fighter made the prediction during an interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
“I think this fight is going to be so big that it’s going to fill an NFL stadium,” Chandler said. “I think it’s going to be the biggest fight in UFC history. I think it’s going to be the biggest fight in combat sports history.”
Chandler’s prediction is certainly bold, but it’s not without merit. McGregor is one of the most popular fighters in the world and his fights have consistently drawn huge numbers.
McGregor’s last fight, against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, drew an estimated 1.3 million pay-per-view buys. His fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 drew an estimated 2.4 million pay-per-view buys.
McGregor’s fights have also drawn huge crowds. His fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 202 drew an estimated 16,516 fans to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His fight against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 drew an estimated 20,427 fans to Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Chandler is confident that his fight against McGregor will be even bigger.
“I think this fight is going to be so big that it’s going to fill an NFL stadium,” Chandler said. “I think it’s going to be the biggest fight in UFC history. I think it’s going to be the biggest fight in combat sports history.”
It remains to be seen if Chandler’s prediction will come true, but one thing is certain: the fight between him and McGregor is sure to be an exciting one. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and have the potential to put on a show.
No matter what happens, it’s sure to be an event that fans won’t want to miss.
