M. Chandler in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former Bellator champion, Michael chandler shone in his Ultimate debut. In the co-main event of UFC 257, held this Saturday (23), in Abu Dhabi, the North American was not aware of Dan Hooker and defeated the New Zealander with a knockout in the first round. After the confrontation, the athlete challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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Hired by the UFC in September last year, there was a lot of expectation to see how Chandler would fare against opponents from one of the biggest MMA organizations in the world. If the first impression is what it is, the athlete arrived with everything to prove himself even more at lightweight (up to 70,3kg.).
The triumph marked Michael's 22nd victory as a professional in mixed martial arts. After the show, still in the octagon, the North American took the opportunity to challenge the group's current champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently retired from the sport.
“If you have to beat someone, come beat me,” Chandler said.
Current number six in the rankings, Hooker is expected to lose his position to Michael after the setback. The result made the New Zealander suffer the second negative result in a row.
The fight
Hooker took the initiative in the confrontation with a low kick. Chandler circulated around the octagon and looked for the best moment to attack his opponent. Dan continued to bet on kicks, but Michael defended himself well. Halfway through the round, the American hit his opponent with two punches to the waistline. Hooker stayed away and tried to avoid a possible takedown attempt by the former Bellator champion. With just over two minutes left, Chandler surprised Dan with a clean cross to the face, which took his opponent to the ground. Michael took advantage of the good moment, continued striking until the referee interrupted the confrontation.
UFC 257 results
MAIN CARD
Lightweight: Dustin poirier derrotou Conor McGregor by technical knockout at 2m32s of R2
Lightweight: Michael chandler derrotou Dan Hooker by technical knockout at 2m30s of R1
Fly weight: Joanne calderwood derrotou Jessica Eye in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,29-28, 30-27)
Average weight: Makhmud Muradov derrotou Andrew Sanchez by technical knockout at 2m59s of R3
Straw weight: Marina Rodriguez derrotou Amanda ribas by technical knockout at 54 seconds. from R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight: Arman Tsarukyan derrotou Matt frevola in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-26, 30-27)
Average weight: Brad Tavares derrotou Antonio Shoe Guy in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Julianna Pena finished Sara McMann with a rear naked choke at 3m39s of R3
Light Heavyweight: Marcin Prachnio derrotou Khalil Rountree Jr. in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Married weight: Movsar Evloev derrotou Nik lentz in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Fly weight: amir albazi derrotou Zhalgas Zhumagulov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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