Islam Mahachev's believes Michael Chandler will retire after fighting McGregor

Michael Chandler's coaching battle and eventual bout against Conor McGregor, according to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, will be his final hurrah in mixed martial arts.

Since his introduction to the Octagon a few years ago, Chandler has embodied entertainment. While the former three-time Bellator champion has a dismal 2-3 record in the UFC, a closer examination reveals much more impressive feats.

Chandler has delivered on his promise to thrill, from a horrific front kick knockout of Tony Ferguson to a battle with Justin Gaethje that was widely dubbed the "Fight of the Year" in 2021.

That appears to be going to continue in 2023 as "Iron" gets ready to face off against the biggest star in the sport on the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter. And after what might be a volatile episode of the programme, Chandler and McGregor will square off in the Octagon for the Irishman's first fight since July 2021.

Since McGregor's comeback and matchup were revealed, predictions have dominated conversation. Makhachev, who has already engaged in a good deal of back and forth with Chandler, is the most recent to provide his.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, Makhachev discussed Chandler and McGregor's anticipated fight later this year.

“For Chandler, this fight is (the) last fight for him. He’s gonna make money and that’s it. He’s gonna retire. Or, if he loses, maybe UFC kicks him out ’cause of how many times he lose,” Makhachev said.

“Conor can beat him because I don’t understand Chandler. He has a background in wrestling but he goes always crazy.”

Chandler isn't losing to easy opposition, despite his struggles to maintain his title-contending status since coming close to winning the gold against Charles Oliveira in 2021. In addition to "Do Bronx," Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, two former interim champions, were the subjects of his other two losses.