Dana White sent fight fans into a frenzy after it announced that the UFC has officially signed former two-time Bellator Champion Michael Chandler. White also stated that Chandler would serve as a back-up fighter for UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje. Michael Chandler shared a photo on social media network Instagram, where he shared his excitement about the opportunity. “Can’t wait to put on a show,” Chandler stated.
Michael Chandler flew down to Abu Dhabi last week and is likely to train and cut weight for the potential match-up against either of the two fighters at UFC 254. Chandler spoke about the match-up against both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje in a recent Instagram Live interaction and claimed to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion if the opportunity arises.
Michael Chandler's comments on potential fight against both Khabib & Gaethje. pic.twitter.com/AZAouDLkc6
— Nik Jev UFC 🥋 (@NikJevUFC) September 21, 2020
“I have more power than he does. I think I could bring together the wrestling and the grappling and the striking better than he can, and it will be the best fight possibly in UFC history when me and Justin Gaethje step into the cage.”
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Michael Chandler is a former two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. He is an All American Division I wrestler, with great power in his hands. Chandler likes to take his opponents down and never shies away from a slugfest. He is extremely good on the ground with multiple stoppage victories to his name.
Can Michael Chandler beat Khabib Nurmagomedov?
There’s a possibility that Michael Chandler could face Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254. It is Chandler’s ability to mix his game which gives him an edge over other UFC fighter against the Dagestani fighter. It’s a huge responsibility for Chandler, who recently signed his UFC contract. Earlier, we were robbed off a potential title showdown when Gilbert Burns tested positive for coronavirus ahead of his title fight against Kamaru Usman. However, UFC was quick to offer Jorge Masvidal, the opportunity, who accepted a short-notice fight and put up an incredible performance in a losing affair. Michael Chandler remains ready if a similar situation plagues the main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
“I am the better wrestler than he is. He’s not going to take me down, I don’ think. If he takes me down, he’s not going to hold me down. I’m going t be able to take him down unlike everybody else who has been up to fight him.” Chandler stated.