Michael Chandler spoke to MMA Junkie around two weeks out from UFC 254, where he is tasked as an alternate. ‘Iron’ Chandler will be ready at a moment’s notice to fill in for either Khabib Nurmagomedov or Justin Gaethje. The aforementioned bout headlines the card and the undisputed lightweight crown is up for grabs for the interim champion, Justin Gaethje.

Michael Chandler came into the promotion as one of the biggest free-agent signings in recent memory. The former Bellator MMA multiple-time lightweight champion is looking to make his mark in the shark tank that is the UFC’s 155-pound division. His first opportunity will be for a world title should either of the assigned fighters fail to make it.

Michael Chandler: “I’m interested in fighting right now”

Although Chandler serves as an alternate, he isn’t opposed to having a fight booked for his UFC 254 appearance. Chiefly, two names were thrown around- Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier. However, both fights failed to materialize and Chandler is still open to making the Ferguson fight work.

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“I’m already going October 24, I’m already making weight, so yes, I would definitely fight him [Tony Ferguson]. He’s kind of the only guy that I’m interested in fighting right now. It’s already been talked about, so you don’t add any names to that hat whenever a guy in the top five is already talked about.”

Dustin Poirier was also discussed, however, ‘The Diamond’ has been in talks to fight against Conor McGregor. It’s a foregone conclusion that he would accept a fight with the Irishman should it come to fruition. Furthermore, this leaves only Tony Ferguson without a dance partner. ‘El Cucuy’ has a long history of unfortunately being left out in the cold.

“I think I go out there and beat Tony Ferguson”

Chandler continued on to elaborate his feelings towards Tony and what a fight against the former interim champion does for his own career.

“Tony Ferguson was on the table, he said no. Dustin Poirier was on the table, he said no. Since Dustin Poirier has said yes to Conor and I think Conor has said yes to Dustin. So that leaves Tony Ferguson. That’s why I said in his way with all caps on Twitter, I said you already turned down a fight against me on the biggest card of the year.”

“This card was going to have a lot of eyeballs and we could’ve been the co-main event and got this tournament going as he likes to talk. I could’ve stepped on his mat and see how things shake out. I think I go out there and beat Tony Ferguson and I immediately put myself on the title picture.”

There is no doubt that a win over ‘El Cucuy’ would immediately catapult Chandler near the gold strap. This is a feat rarely accomplished due to the murderous row of elite lightweights that act as roadblocks.