Eric Bischoff Thinks Competing in Real American Freestyle Will Give Michael Chandler the Edge Over Conor McGregor

As previously reported, Michael Chandler will face Chad Mendes for Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle Wrestling at the RAF 03 event on November 29. Speaking to the Action Network, Bischoff explained why Chandler’s competing in Real American Freestyle will give him an advantage for an eventual UFC fight against Conor McGregor.

The McGregor vs. Chandler fight has not yet been officially confirmed, but Bischoff thinks Chandler will get the edge due to his recently competing in freestyle wrestling. He stated, “Common sense suggests that taking this match is gonna give Chandler an advantage. Psychologically, it’ll give him a little bit of an advantage. He’s fresh. It hasn’t been that long since he’s stepped in. Look how long it’s been since Conor’s been in the ring, competitively.”

Bischoff continued on the difference between training and stepping into the ring, “Obviously, he’s gonna be in the ring training, but there’s being in the ring training and being in the ring competing, they are two different things. Chandler being involved with Real American Freestyle is gonna give him an edge, that’s an important edge right now, because Conor’s been out for a long time.”

McGregor last fought at UFC 264 in July 2021, losing to Dustin Poirier by doctor stoppage in the first round. Bischoff added, “Conor didn’t go out on the best of all notes. He went out in a cold, hard, embarrassingly bad way. So, he’s bringing all of that with him, and having been out of the ring for quite a while, stepping into the ring with a veteran, a guy that’s got an unbelievable ground game, and has recently been competitive, I think I’d put my money on Chandler.”

RAF 03, presented by Eric Bischoff, featuring Michael Chandler vs. Chad Mendes, takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on November 29. UFC has not yet announced Chandler vs. McGregor.

Conor McGregor’s coach recently said that McGregor is training for the fight with Chandler to happen at the planned UFC White House event slated for June 2026.