Immediate reserve at UFC 254, Michael Chandler makes new challenge to Tony Ferguson: 'He already refused once'

M. Chandler (left) makes a new challenge to T. Ferguson (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

He barely arrived at the UFC and Michael chandler already wants to show service. The former Bellator lightweight champion (70,3kg) is the immediate reserve for the fight worth the division's belt between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje, valid by UFC 254, but you do not want to be on stand-by. 'Iron's' plan is simple: face Tony Ferguson at the event on October 24th.

In an interview with the North American website MMA Junkie, Chandler, who had already revealed that Ferguson and Dustin poirier They refused to face him, he once again showed interest in the former and challenged him, because he believes that a victory over him will make him the next person to fight for the belt.

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“Ferguson and Poirier refused to face me. As I am already in UFC 254, cutting weight, would agree to face Ferguson. He's the only fighter that interests me at the moment. I've already said this and I don't need to mention other names. As Poirier and McGregor agreed to fight, only Ferguson remains. That's why I went on Twitter to say that he refused to face me at the biggest event of the year. Everyone will be watching and we will be highlighted. If I beat Ferguson, I'll fight for the belt next,” said Chandler.

Chandler also explained how the negotiations went when negotiating with the UFC.

“When the UFC offered me the contract, they knew I had fought in August and they wanted me to fight in October. I accepted right away! The options were Poirier and Ferguson and the UFC was aware that they were creating problems to fight. That's why I agreed to be the immediate reserve for the title fight. In other words, I accepted all the UFC's conditions. When you join the organization, you have to show up and show your value, your willingness. Even though I was a popular athlete, I swallowed my pride and agreed to be the immediate reserve. I'm a kind of insurance for the title fight to happen”, he concluded.

At 34, Michael chandler ended a beautiful ten-year history at Bellator to fulfill his dream of becoming UFC lightweight champion. It's worth remembering that this has always been one of the fans' greatest desires, as the fighter has always been one of the most popular outside of Dana White's organization.