Will the record fall? McGregor’s rival Chandler believes the fight will be hugely popular and sell over 2 million PPVs

This year is going to be huge. We’ll see Jon Jones return soon, we’ll see Conor McGregor too. The Irishman’s opponent, Michael Chandler, believes that his fight with a world MMA star in particular could generate huge interest.

Conor McGregor may not be the greatest fighter of all time, but he is certainly one of the greatest legends. No one can deny what he has achieved and how he has popularized MMA and combat sports in general.

When he’s not fighting, the UFC is feeling it in a big way. In fact, it’s the tournaments with the Irish star that sell the most. And it should be no different this year when he returns to action.

His opponent, Michael Chandler, believes so. And he has a bunch of reasons to do so One of them is the fact that the two will be facing each other as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter show, where there may be a few moments that will help in promoting the entire duel.

Chandler himself is a great showman, he knows how to sell his fights, which are also hugely attractive. So there is a lot to look forward to. And what numbers to expect? The American fighter and former champion of rival Bellator believes that at least 2 million PPVs will be sold.

“If we look at the numbers, I think 2 million PPVs sold is not just a possibility. I think it’s actually very attainable,” Chandler let his voice be heard on Ariel Helwani’s traditional The MMA Hour.

It’s worth noting that Chandler has already fought on one of the best-selling cards in UFC history, and that was when he made his debut in the organization against Dan Hooker. That was at UFC 257, where McGregor fought Dustin Poirier and lost to him for the first time. Over 1.6 million people bought the PPV.

The record, however, is held by McGregor’s fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. This is the only gala where more than 2 million PPVs were sold, specifically 2.4 million.

Chandler in four of his five fights in the UFC has earned fight/performance of the night bonuses. With the popularity McGregor has and the length of time he hasn’t fought, it’s a distinct possibility that 2 million PPV sales will indeed occur.

Source: The MMA Hour, MMA Fighting, Tapology