Michael Chandler and his UFC debut are fast approaching. While Chandler did make weight in October as an alternate for the Lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomeodv and Justin Gaethje, we are yet to see the former Bellator champion in the UFC octagon yet. However, a recent Dana White announcement has confirmed Chandler’s debut for early-2021.
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Dana revealed while speaking to The Schmo that Chandler will be making his debut (hopefully) on Fight Island. While the company was looking to book him against Charles Oliveira, who fought in December, he couldn’t make the weight. Thus, Chandler will be opening his UFC career against Dan Hooker.
“Oh, I don’t know if this is done yet but f*ck it. We were working on Oliviera, but Oliviera couldn’t make weight. So Chandler will be fighting Hooker.”
Hooker last fought Dustin Poirier to a close decision loss. Considering how Poirier is arguably the best Lightweight outside Khabib, that loss isn’t one to scoff at. Chandler is getting a hard fight right off the bat.
Michael Chandler: Can he have a successful debut?
Many people have wondered whether Chandler is all smoke and no fire. We have seen many top-tier talents make the jump from promotions, but rarely do we see their first assignment to be an alternate for a title fight. While Hooker is a more reasonable fight, the UFC were trying to book Chandler against the arguable next title contender in Charles Oliviera.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 26: Dan Hooker of New Zealand poses on the scale during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX on June 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Even Ben Askren didn’t get put into the title picture before stepping inside the Octagon, despite people calling him the best fighter outside the UFC. Chandler is being given an incredible stage, so the cons of failing are higher than for most debuting fighters.
Oliviera not taking the fight may actually bode well for the UFC and Chandler. That is a harder fight than Dan Hooker. However, Hooker is one hell of a fighter himself and guarantees fireworks. Either winner from this fight will become a big star, and that is the beauty of this matchup. The date for the fight hasn’t been announced, but it is expected on the ‘Fight Island’ docket in January.