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New UFC Lightweight contender, Michael Chandler, is currently at Fight Island. Even though Chandler has not had a single fight in the UFC, he could find himself fighting for the world title this weekend.

‘Iron’ Chandler recently signed with the UFC after his Bellator contract had expired. He comes in the promotion with a professional record of 21-5, his last win a TKO finish of Benson Henderson.

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Khabib spoke to MMA media this week and provided his opinion on the UFC’s latest acquisition. “I think I don’t need to use my wrestling versus Michael Chandler,” said the Eagle.

“I know he just came here to Abu Dhabi,” Khabib said, alluding to the fact that Chandler has been selected by the UFC as a replacement fighter.

In case either fighter of the UFC 254 main event were to pull out, Chandler would automatically step in. Nurmagomedov continued, “You’re gonna come here, make weight and go home.”

Khabib went on to jest, saying, “Thank you, Michael Chandler. Go home and fight with some other fighters.”

“He is not a high-level championship fighter in UFC, because two fights ago he lost in another organization,” Khabib noted about him.

Chandler took to Twitter to reply to Khabib, saying, “Can’t wait to prove you wrong @teamkhabib …see you soon.”

Michael Chandler looking to make his mark

Now that Michael Chandler has arrived in the UFC, he is looking to get back to business. He earlier tried to push for a fight with either Dustin Poirier or Tony Ferguson. However, no deal could be worked out on both ends.

The UFC booked Chandler to be the stand-in fighter for this weekend’s UFC 254 card. For some reason, if Khabib or Justin could not make it to the octagon, Chandler’s first fight in the UFC could be for the world title.

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Chandler is no stranger to world titles, having already been the Bellator lightweight champion on three separate occasions. “I said you already turned down a fight against me on the biggest card of the year,” said Chandler when calling out Tony Ferguson.

Chandler’s goal now is to hold the UFC lightweight title and is looking at the fastest way to the top. At UFC 254, Chandler could win the title in his first fight in the promotion.

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Also Read: How Can Michael Chandler Beat Khabib Nurmagomedov?

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