UFC newcomer Michael Chandler has given Tony Ferguson his props. Ever since joining the promotion, ‘Iron’ Mike has been looking to make his presence known in the division. A fight with Tony Ferguson would be his ideal way to make his UFC debut.
Chandler joined the UFC this year after becoming a free agent and signing from Bellator. The fighter held a record of 21-5; he was also the Bellator lightweight champion.
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Coming to the promotion on the back of a two-fight win streak, Chandler’s last win was against former UFC champion Benson Henderson. He won the fight via first-round TKO. Now, he will look to make his name as a multi-promotion world champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who seemingly retired, is still listed as champion on the UFC website. The division also holds names such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje, amongst a few who will be looking for a few wins to stay on the UFC’s radar for a title shot.
Michael Chandler believes he would match up well against ‘El Cucuy’
Chandler broke down the top 10 of the lightweight division. Going through all his potential opponents, ‘Iron’ Mike noted that he sees Tony Ferguson as the ‘boogeyman’ in the division.
He said, “I think to me the [Tony] the scariest guy of the division. He’s just so unorthodox, he’s the hardest guy on the board to prepare for.”
“Fans love to watch him fight because they don’t know what he’s going to do inside the cage. He’s a winner. He wins fights, he wears guys down, I’ve always said I think Tony Ferguson would be a perfect introduction to who Michael Chandler is to the UFC fans.”
Chandler continued to give his perspective on how he thinks the fight would play out. He claimed that he would be able to match Ferguson’s cardio and strength. However, he revealed that he would be better off in scramble scenarios.
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The former Bellator MMA champion concluded, “He’s there to be hit. If I put my hands on him, I think I can be the first guy to really separate him from consciousness and knock him out cold.”
A win against Ferguson would put Chandler in title contention. The former UFC interim lightweight champion is coming off a loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 and is looking to get back to winning ways.
Will he make his debut against ‘the scariest guy in the division?’
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Read: Rafael Dos Anjos Calls Out Michael Chandler for a Main Event Showdown