Michael Chandler News
Tony Ferguson pleads with UFC President Dana White: "Let’s give em’ what they want. The fans deserve this."
Chris Taylor - November 14, 2020
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is hoping to make 2020 “a little better again” by headlining December’s UFC 256 event. ‘El Cucuy’ took to Twitter last night where he challenged former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler to a showdown this December.
Tony Ferguson challenges "putz" Michael Chandler to December showdown: "Let's Close out 2020 In Style"
Chris Taylor - November 13, 2020
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has issued a challenge to former Bellator title holder Michael Chandler. Chandler (21-5 MMA) signed with the UFC shortly after scoring a first round knockout victory over Benson Henderson at Bellator 243 this past August. He was immediately booked to serve as the back-up for UFC 254’s Justin Gaethje vs. Khabib Nuramagomedov main event, but thankfully his services were not required that evening in Abu Dhabi.
Patricio Freire rates Michael Chandler's chances in the UFC
Tom Taylor - November 12, 2020
Two-division Bellator champ Patricio Freire has shared his thoughts on how Michael Chandler will perform in the UFC’s Octagon. Freire currently holds the Bellator featherweight and lightweight titles, and is slated to defend the former against Pedro Carvalho in the main event of Bellator 252 on Thursday night.
Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor: "I'm ready to sign when you are"
Tom Taylor - November 10, 2020
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is setting his sights on a blockbuster fight with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Chandler signed with the UFC earlier this year, but has yet to make his debut with the promotion.
Michael Chandler responds to calls for short-notice Rafael dos Anjos fight
Tom Taylor - November 9, 2020
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has responded to calls for a potential short-notice fight with Rafael dos Anjos. Chandler signed with the UFC earlier this year, but has yet to make his debut with the promotion. Some fans are hoping he’ll make his debut on short notice by stepping in to replace Islam Makhachev against Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 14 this weekend.
Michael Chandler plays tweet and delete after taking a jab at the Presidential Election
Chris Taylor - November 6, 2020
Michael Chandler may be new to the UFC, but he has already taken a page out of Jon Jones and Conor McGregor’s playbook by playing tweet and delete. The former Bellator lightweight champion, Chandler (21-5 MMA), took to Twitter during the Presidential Election on Tuesday where he shared the following take which was later deleted.
Michael Chandler calls out Tony Ferguson or Justin Gaethje for UFC debut: "We're going to have a blast"
Adam Martin - November 3, 2020
Recent UFC free-agent signing Michael Chandler is requesting a matchup against either Tony Ferguson or Justin Gaethje for his Octagon debut. Chandler was the backup for the UFC 254 main event between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gaethje, but he wasn’t needed as both men made weight and made it to the fight unscathed. A former three-time lightweight champion in Bellator, Chandler ended up getting introduced on the UFC 254 pay-per-view broadcast to UFC fans for the first time. But he went to Fight Island with the hopes of stepping into the cage.
Michael Chandler sets his sights on Justin Gaethje following UFC 254
Harry Kettle - October 27, 2020
UFC newcomer Michael Chandler has his sights set on a potential showdown with fellow lightweight contender Justin Gaethje. “The Highlight” failed in his attempt to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday night as he was beaten by Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 254. Chandler, on the other hand, simply sat back and watched the action unfold after serving as the back-up fighter for the title bout.
Michael Chandler calls for four-man tournament to crown new UFC lightweight champion
Adam Martin - October 25, 2020
Newly-signed free agent lightweight Michael Chandler is calling for a four-man tournament to crown the new UFC lightweight champion. Chandler finds himself in a tremendous position in the UFC lightweight division despite having not fought yet for the promotion. The UFC tabbed him as the backup fighter for the UFC 254 main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, but he wasn’t needed for the event. With Nurmagomedov retiring from MMA and giving up his title, the lightweight division is now more wide open than it ever has been.
Michael Chandler reacts after Khabib Nurmagomedov defeats Justin Gaethje and retires from MMA
Adam D Martin - October 25, 2020
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler reacted after Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and then retired. Chandler, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the UFC after his contract with Bellator expired. As part of his deal with the UFC, Chandler was paid to be the backup fighter for the Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje fight. Thankfully, both men make it to the fight unscathed and make weight and the fight stayed intact, so Chandler just got back to sit back and watch the show.
Dana White floats No. 1 contender fight between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler
Tom Taylor - October 23, 2020
UFC President Dana White is floating the idea of a lightweight No. 1 contender fight between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler. Ferguson stood out as the top contender in the lightweight division for many years, but after having a 12-fight win-streak derailed by Justin Gaethje in May, is now looking to reestablish himself. Chandler, on the other hand, is a former Bellator champion, and recently signed with the UFC to much acclaim.
Michael Chandler explains how he is preparing to be a backup fighter at UFC 254: "I am the alternate until I am needed no more"
Adam Martin - October 22, 2020
UFC lightweight Michael Chandler explained how he is preparing for his role as the backup fighter for this main event of Saturday’s UFC 254. Chandler recently signed with the UFC as a free agent following a spectacular run in Bellator where he was a three-time lightweight champion in the promotion. UFC president Dana White admitted that a five-minute phone call with Chandler when he became a free agent was enough to convince him he belonged in the UFC. Not only that but also maybe even get a title shot if anything happens to the headliners of this weekend’s UFC 254.
Michael Chandler still believes Tony Ferguson is "the logical, best choice" for UFC debut
Andrew Whitelaw - October 20, 2020
Michael Chandler is still eyeing a dance with Tony Ferguson for his first fight in the UFC. The pair were briefly intended to be the co-main event at UFC 254, but an agreement could not be reached. Speaking at the UFC 254 virtual media day, Chandler admitted that provided he doesn’t fight this weekend, “El Cucuy” is his preferred next opponent.
Michael Chandler still open to fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 254 on short notice: "I would definitely fight him"
Adam Martin - October 11, 2020
UFC lightweight Michael Chandler says he is still open to fighting Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 254 later this month. Chandler, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, recently signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the UFC. As part of that deal, Chandler has been tabbed as the official backup for the UFC 254 main event between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champ Justin Gaethje. However, he has also been connected to a fight against Ferguson. It hasn’t been booked yet, but Chandler still wants that fight.
Michael Chandler slams Tony Ferguson for turning him down at UFC 254
Cole Shelton - October 7, 2020
Michael Chandler is not happy with Tony Ferguson. Earlier on Wednesday, Ferguson was not happy with Chandler and what he was making in the UFC. He also didn’t like that the former Bellator lightweight champion is the backup fighter for UFC 254.
Scott Coker reacts to Michael Chandler signing with the UFC
Tom Taylor - October 7, 2020
Bellator President Scott Coker has shared his first reaction to Michael Chandler, the promotion’s former lightweight champion, signing with the UFC. Chandler is arguably the biggest star in Bellator history. Last month, however, the former champ parted ways with the promotion, and signed on the dotted line with the UFC.
Dan Hooker open to kneeing Michael Chandler’s chin off and sending him “back to the B-Leagues”
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2020
UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has made it crystal clear that he is interested in a fight against promotional newcomer Michael Chandler. Hooker, who is coming off the back of a narrow loss to Dustin Poirier, has never been shy when it comes to calling out those in his division that he wants to fight. The aforementioned Chandler has finally made the jump over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is expected to serve as the back-up fighter for UFC 254’s main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.
Michael Chandler leaning toward Khabib Nurmagomedov in Justin Gaethje matchup
Tom Taylor - September 22, 2020
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is leaning toward a Khabib Nurmagomedov victory at UFC 254. Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, is set to defend his title against Justin Gaethje, the interim lightweight champ, in the main event of UFC 254 on October 24. Chandler, who recently signed with the UFC, is expected to be on standby in the event that Nurmagomedov or Gaethje is unable to compete on the night.