Former UFC lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler is eyeing to make his return against a former interim champion in Tony Ferguson. Both the fighters have faced multiple losses in their recent past, as they are itching to get back into the win column. Ferguson once stood tall as the clear number 1 guy in the lightweight division with an impressive 12 fight win streak until 2020, but all that has changed in the past 2 years. Chandler’s last loss at the hands of Justin Gaethje has foiled his plans to get another title shot, but all that can change on May 8th at UFC 274.
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Chandler found himself in the title picture after securing a victory over Dan Hooker. This did not sit well with Ferguson, who never got the chance to compete for the undisputed title despite his impressive win streak.
Michael Chandler defends Tony Ferguson as scoffs at the losing skid
During UFC 262’s pre-fight presser, El Cucuy, voiced his grievances and dubbed Chandler’s title shot as nothing more than an example of ‘Dana White privilege’. Duo clearly had some bad blood towards one another, and fans were excited to see the duo trading barb. With Chandler losing back-to-back fights as well, UFC booked this dream match in hopes to meet fan’s expectations.
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In a recent interview with MMAfighting, Chandler took a surprising stance about his nemesis when quizzed about his downward skid. He defended Ferguson’s fall from grace and stated that the 155 pounds division is the most competitive in the promotion.
He said, “Its hard, I would say his track record thus far, would indicate that he has indeed lost a step. But, you also gotta think, You can’t just look at records and say he’s lost his last three fights… Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush, these are the top guys in the world. You know when we are fighting up there at the top of the division, doing this round-robin against the best guys in this 155 pounds, you gonna win some and you are gonna lose some”
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Has Tony Ferguson lost a step?@MikeChandlerMMA says, "You can’t just look at records and say he’s lost his last three fights… Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush, these are the top guys in the world."
Full interview with @DamonMartin ▶️ https://t.co/rsMzVetJ3g pic.twitter.com/5pHHxgsrvm
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) April 1, 2022
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Chandler also stated that a win over Ferguson will once again propel his name in the division. He understands that his last two losses may have put him on a downward spiral, but all that can change if he can put on a dominant performance.
Who do you think will walk away with their hands raised?