Ferguson asks to face Chandler in December, but rival suggests January: 'Let's be realistic'

M. Chandler (left) and T. Ferguson (right) still have no agreement to fight. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

The novel of the struggle between Tony Ferguson e Michael chandler It could have already been closed, if it weren't for the athletes' disagreement about the dates. While 'Bicho Papão' insists that the confrontation takes place in 2020, the former Bellator champion welcomes the fight to take place in January, at the same event as 'McGregor x Poirier'. In this way, the 'war' between the lightweights (up to 70,3kg.) continues in the press and social networks.

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“The UFC told me you already accepted another fight, man. Then, Michael chandler, stop crying to 'ESPN' about facing me. If you want to fight me, I'll be in (Las) Vegas on December 12th. Accept it or move on”, said Tony, in his account on Twitter.

Ferguson's publication, made this Wednesday morning (18), was directed at Chandler to counter a recent interview given by the former Bellator champion to 'ESPN', when the lightweight tries to justify his desire to face 'Bicho Papão' in January, at least UFC 257. At the time, Michael stated that he came from a recent weight cut (at the end of October) and needed to rest, in addition to the event at the beginning of the year, in theory, having more visibility.

“There is a 0% chance of me facing Tony Ferguson in December. I know he knows this, because the UFC already told him. I already said I’m going to face him in January,” said Chandler.

Michael then explained why he has no plans to perform in 2020. Recently signed by Ultimate, the athlete ended up being the immediate reserve for the confrontation between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje, UFC 254 and went through the weight cut just like the protagonists of the show.

“The UFC didn’t offer me the fight in December because they know I’m recovering. I cut weight in October. Everyone knows that I'm an active athlete and I'm always training, but I needed a month off. Tony is campaigning for us to fight in three and a half weeks”, confronted the former Bellator.

Finally, Michael gave Ferguson the ultimatum. Thinking about the biggest event in January, Chandler welcomes the chance to participate in the event headlined by Conor McGregor e Dustin poirier, making the co-main fight of the night.

“Tony, you had the opportunity to face me in October and you said 'no.' You didn't even suggest fighting in December until the last 11am. Let's be realistic and sign for January 23rd. If you think you still have what it takes to fight for the belt, face me on January 23rd. Why not take the opportunity?”, he concluded.

UFC has said you have already accepted Another Fight ese! Only @MikeChandlerMMA stop crying to @spnmma about fighting me. You want to compete against me I'll be in Vegas Dec 12. Accept or we move on. -Champ Shit Only™️ kid ⚔️🕶 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 F'kn #AmateurHour # BeGon'Thot pic.twitter.com/Ua4p4moi8W

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) November 18, 2020