Michael Chandler Ready For Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs Justin Gaethje Replacement Fight

Michael Chandler recently signed with the UFC and is a bonafide star, having held the lightweight championship at Bellator MMA. ‘Iron’ had been with the promotion since 2010 and has competed for and won the lightweight belt three times. Besides this, he has held successfully defended his belt multiple times.  

In 2018 Chandler won the lightweight belt for the third time against Brent Primus via unanimous decision. Unfortunately, in his very first title defense since winning the belt, Patricio Freire stopped him in the first round. Since then Chandler has secured two KO wins against Benson Henderson and Sydney Outlaw. 

Michael has been considered one of the best fighters outside the UFC for a long time now. Now, he gets to prove himself on the biggest stage as he will be a backup for UFC 254 in case either Gaethje or Khabib do not make it to the fight. 

Michael Chandler gives his thoughts on being a “back up” fighter

Chandler was asked what he thought of being a backup fighter for UFC 254. He replied, “I love to live the exact opposite of a mundane boring life. So for me, this is perfect for me. I really will not know whether I am fighting, I think we are all make weight. I wouldn’t even put it past the UFC to have me wrap my hands up and show up to the event…We saw Tony Ferguson pull out of the Tony Ferguson Vs Khabib fight because he tripped over an electrical cord on fight week. Anything can happen……”

‘Iron’ added, “My job description is the number one lightweight contender. Who will step into the cage for one of these guys as a replacement. Whether it is a replacement today or a very, very late replacement on October 24th, seven minutes before those two guys are supposed to fight. That is my job description….. Until my phone rings and Dana White calls me and says, ‘Hey you’re off these guys are going to fight’. Until then, I’m focused like I’m fighting on October 24th. 

Michael Chandler will look to add his name to an elusive list of champions in two promotions. Do you think Chandler will get the opportunity to fight for gold at UFC 254? Or will the fight between Justin and Khabib go ahead with no mishaps?