The co-main event at UFC 257 saw the UFC debut of Michael Chandler. ‘Iron’ was a champion at Bellator MMA, and the face of the promotion for the better part of the decade. After his stint with Bellator and achieving all that was there to achieve, Chandler sought new challenges with a new promotion.
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The UFC is considered the premier promotion for MMA and the ultimate proving ground for fighters. ‘Iron’ was thrown right into the deep end of the 155-pound division, which is one of if not the most talent stacked division in the UFC.
In Hooker, he faced someone who was not only battle-tested and amongst the top in the division, but an opponent who had a considerable height and reach advantage over him.
However, it was ‘Iron’ Chandler who rose up to the occasion and stopped ‘The Hangman’ in the very first round of the fight. He could not have asked for a better UFC debut.
Twitter reacts as Michael Chandler secures a stunning debut win
Tv show host Jim Rome tweeted in anticipation of Michael Chandler’s UFC debut.
Been waiting for Michael Chandler to enter the octagon for some time now…. let’s freaking do this! #UFC257
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 24, 2021
Theo Von took to Twitter to hype up the co-main event at UFC 257.
ITS TIME!! Lightweight Madness!! @DustinPoirier @TheNotoriousMMA @MikeChandlerMMA @danthehangman Lets geaux!! #UFC257
— Theo Von (@TheoVon) January 24, 2021
Gilbert Burns, who will be fighting for the title next month at UFC 258 against Kamaru Usman, took to Twitter to back his teammate.
Let’s go @MikeChandlerMMA @PsoRite @MmaSanford pic.twitter.com/kAYmcq6O8b
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 24, 2021
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski took to Twitter to share his excitement for ‘Iron’s’ debut.
Man I’m excited for this match up!! Let’s gooooo @danthehangman #UFC257
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) January 24, 2021
Stephen Thompson took to Twitter to react to a stunning stoppage.
WOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! WELCOME TO THE UFC @MikeChandlerMMA ! #UFC257
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 24, 2021
‘The Gorilla‘ had one word for the performance. WOW!
Wow wow wow wow wow #UFC257
— karen Till (@darrentill2) January 24, 2021
Formula 1’s McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo, took to Twitter to welcome Michael Chandler to the UFC.
😳 welcome Michael #UFC257
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) January 24, 2021
Jon Jones stamped seal of approval on newcomer Michael Chandler.
OK I’m excited about Chandler, that was awesome 🇺🇸
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 24, 2021
Brendan Schaub took to Twitter to appreciate Chandler.
Those Bellator boys ain’t bad huh? @MikeChandlerMMA #UFC257
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) January 24, 2021
Following his stunning knockout win, Michael Chandler went on to call out the big names in the UFC. There were a lot of doubts as to how Chandler would fare in the UFC against the best of the best. The UFC newcomer silenced all these pre-fight doubts with a loud statement at the octagon in the Etihad Arena.
Who do you think ‘Iron’ should face next? Let us know in the comments below!