Dana White Reveals Why Michael Chandler Opted Out of Tony Ferguson Fight

UFC President Dana White shed light on why former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler did not step-up to fight Tony Ferguson in December. Earlier, former interim lightweight champion. Tony Ferguson had called out Chandler for a scrap inside the Octagon on December 12 at UFC 256. After multiple fall-outs from the hugely anticipated UFC 256, ‘El Cucuy’ stepped in to save the day.

However, Chandler passed down the opportunity and made it clear that he won’t be fighting Ferguson in December. UFC President Dana White revealed the reason why Chandler opted out of the epic showdown.

He said, “He just cut weight in Abu Dhabi, so he couldn’t do it. You know how and what we do. We all make fights. These fights will happen, and let’s see what’s next for Chandler.”  

Michael Chandler served as the back-up fighter during UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje. The former two-time Bellator champion also made weight for the bout alongside the main event duo.

Needless to say, making weight twice in two months is bound to affect his performance inside the Octagon. It’s hard not to agree with Chandler as taking such a risk against someone like Ferguson in his very first UFC fight is not a wise move.

What’s next for Michael Chandler?

Meanwhile, Dana White revealed that they are working on a potential showdown between Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira. However, nothing has been made official. Additionally, Ferguson revealed that Chandler has already signed a fight, and many believe it could be against Justin Gaethje.

Justin Gaethje is coming off a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov and will look to come back to winning ways with a win over Chandler. Meanwhile, Chandler will look to solidify his contention for the UFC title with a win over the former interim champion. Not to forget, the winner of Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor is also in title contention. Only time will tell what lies ahead for the UFC’s lightweight division.