“Looks stiff as a board” - Fans react after Conor McGregor drops latest training footage in preparation for UFC 303 clash against Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor recently shared a video from his latest training session as he gears up for the highly-anticipated UFC 303 showdown against Michael Chandler. The seventh pay-per-view event of the year is scheduled to align with its annual International Fight Week and is set for June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McGregor's journey back to the octagon has been a lengthy one, marked by a hiatus triggered by a severe injury in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. The injury sidelined 'The Notorious' for nearly two years. However, he initiated his comeback strategy last year by signing on to coach 'The Ultimate Fighter' season 31 opposite Chandler.

The coaching tenure on 'TUF' concluded without McGregor making his anticipated return, primarily due to his absence from the UFC's anti-doping program. Finally, last October, McGregor resumed drug testing, completing the mandatory six-month testing period by March, thus becoming eligible to compete again. Despite swirling rumors for weeks that McGregor would square off against 'Iron' at UFC 300, he had prior commitments to promote his silver screen debut in the remake of 'Road House'.

With the return date confirmed, McGregor is now fully dedicated to his training camp for the upcoming fight. The Irishman recently took to his Instagram stories, delighting fans with a video from his sparring session, where he primarily focused on pad work with his trainer.

Check out Conor McGregor's video below:

Fans responded to McGregor's video with a variety of reactions, with some speculating that he may have lost some of his speed due to apparent ring rust.

One fan wrote:

"Looks stiff as a board."

Another wrote:

"Still the more boxing style stance, heavier on the front foot. Obviously, it's just boxing pad work, but man, I want to see the real MMA Conor again."

Check out some more reactions below:

As for Chandler, the American has been inactive for more than a year, anticipating the McGregor fight. His last octagon appearance was at UFC 281 in November 2022, when he endured a submission defeat against Poirier.

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Chael Sonnen predicts Michael Chandler to triumph over Conor McGregor at UFC 303

During a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Chael Sonnen voiced his support for Michael Chandler to emerge victorious over Conor McGregor at UFC 303.

The former UFC middleweight title challenger elaborated on how 'Iron's' commitment to training and discipline will contribute to his endurance throughout the bout:

"Michael Chandler is going to win. You have the most disciplined guy in the sport, arguably, and you have the most undisciplined guy in the sport, for sure. The better guy wins, and he wins every single time. Michael Chandler, at this point, could go out there and box with Conor McGregor. You don’t get better at something by not doing it."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (5:23):