Michael Chandler has taken the UFC by storm. The former Bellator MMA champion made a stunning UFC debut, which was placed among the best UFC debuts by fans and pundits alike. Chandler announced his arrival at one of the biggest PPV events of the year in the co-main event to Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.
There were a lot of expectations on Chandler coming into the promotion as he was a multiple-time lightweight champion in Bellator. In what many saw as a promotion vs promotion matchup, ‘Iron’ arguably stole the show at has not looked back since.
Read More: Here’s how Tony Ferguson injured his knee before UFC 223
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will Michael Chandler be able to stop the rampant Charles Oliveira?
The lightweight title was in limbo since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at UFC 254. There was hope among fans that the Dagestani would return to fight one last time to make it 30-0. On the other hand, many believed that the ‘The Eagle’ was done. This meant that gold in the most talent stacked division in the UFC was up for grabs.Following his win over Tony Ferguson, Charles Oliveira, who extended his win streak to 8-0, firmly established himself as a favorite for the title shot.
After his win over Conor McGregor, most fans and pundits believed that ‘The Diamond’ and ‘Do Bronx’ would fight for the vacant title. However, Poirier chose a rematch against ‘The Notorious‘ over a title fight against Oliveira, and understandably so.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This meant that Oliveira needed an opponent for the fight. Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson make up the top 5. As Gaethje lost to Khabib in his last fight, an immediate rematch for the title was not the most sensible option. Meanwhile, as ‘El Cucuy’ suffered a one-sided beat down against Oliveira, there was no good reason to see them fight again so quickly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hence, ‘Iron’ Chandler was the only suitable name left. On merit, the one fight UFC veteran, Chandler, might not be deserving of a title shot. However, given the current circumstances, the UFC’s decision makes absolute sense.
Do you agree with Chandler getting a title shot? Let us know in the comments below!