Charles Oliveira backs Michael Chandler to defeat Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is set to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon against Michael Chandler after coaching opposing teams on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. Charles Oliveira recently shared that he doesn't believe the former double champ will be able to get back in the win column.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the No.1-ranked lightweight was asked if he believes 'The Notorious' will receive a title shot with a win. 'Do Bronx' responded by casting doubt:

"I don't think he's going to win. He's a guy that sells and he's great to promote. People love to watch his fights, but I don't think he's going to win... I believe Chandler is an explosive fighter. McGregor hasn't fought in a long time. I believe Chandler is going to win."

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are both 1-3 in their last four fights. However, the former has largely been inactive, with just one victory since becoming double champ in 2016. While his status as the UFC's biggest star always has 'The Notorious' seemingly one win away from a title opportunity, Charles Oliveira believes it is a moot point as he will be unable to pick up a victory.

Watch Charles Oliveira talk about Conor McGregor's chances against Michael Chandler:

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Alexander Volkanovski believes Conor McGregor will receive a lightweight title opportunity with a victory

Alexander Volkanovski recently attempted to capture the lightweight title in hopes of becoming just the fifth double champ in UFC history. While he was unsuccessful in joining Conor McGregor in that exclusive group, the featherweight champion revealed that he believes 'The Notorious' will receive a lightweight title opportunity if he is able to defeat Michael Chandler:

"That just puts Conor right back in the conversation for the belt. For people to say he wouldn’t deserve it and there’s no way they're going to do that, you’re pretty crazy, right? It’s Conor McGregor, and if he takes out someone like Chandler, you know his name is going to be mentioned. You know people are going to be talking about him so it's interesting."

Although McGregor has not won a lightweight fight since 2016, his status as the biggest star in mixed martial arts, combined with a victory over a top-five opponent, would certainly allow him to skip the line and receive a title opportunity. The former double champ has shared that he is looking to make another title run upon his return.

Watch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (starting at the 4:59 mark):