Still not making his UFC debut, Chandler cites Ferguson and Gaethje as ideal opponents: 'It would be explosive'

M. Chandler would like to debut in the UFC against a top-5 lightweight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Hiring Michael chandler for the UFC was celebrated by a large part of the MMA community, but her debut in the organization is still a mystery. The Bellator icon was scheduled to be the immediate reserve for the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje, valid by UFC 254, but, as the duo had no problems, their situation remains undefined. Knowing how heavy his name is, 'Iron' would like to have his first fight against a top-5 lightweight (70,3g).

By participating in the podcast UFC Unfiltered, Chandler quoted Tony Ferguson e Justin gaethje as ideal opponents and explained why he liked the idea of ​​facing them so much, something that many athletes prefer to avoid.

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“Ferguson and Gaethje are two of the athletes I want to fight. I think these would be great fights for UFC fans to check out. Michael chandler. They are very good! The best way to beat me is to run away, trying to avoid my pressure, but Ferguson and Gaethje do the opposite. They will meet me and it will be a blast! Either one will be a great fight,” Chandler said.

Despite his status, Chandler knows he can't compare to the media power of Conor McGregor and he doesn't think it's fair to reach the UFC, imposing conditions. On the contrary, 'Iron' wants to prove his worth in the new home.

“I have a lot of fights and victories in Bellator and my resume is heavy, but I don't think I have the right to demand a fight against one of the top-5. The UFC's job is to make decisions. Honestly, I'm in the same league as the biggest name in combat sports, the most polarizing fighter and his name is McGregor. If he wants to fight for the interim belt, he'll probably get it and I don't blame the UFC for that. I'm the athlete who just arrived and I'm below the other names in the hierarchy. I just want to debut and deserve big fights”, 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 was one of the most popular outside of Dana White's organization.