UFC lightweight Michael Chandler spoke to ESPN ahead of his promotional debut set for UFC 257 on Yas Fight Island. Chandler will take on Dan Hooker in the co-main event of the card headlined by Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier. Chiefly, Chandler was signed earlier into 2020 but remained without an opponent for a meaningful period of time.
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Michael Chandler has only served as an alternate for UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje thus far. Fans are pining to see him make a massive impact on his debut and add an interesting flair to the division. With a win over ‘The Hangman’, the former multiple-time Bellator MMA champion can certainly line himself up for a huge match.
Michael Chandler like his chances against Conor McGregor
Although Chandler isn’t overlooking Hooker, like many lightweights, he too would love to match-up against Conor McGregor. If the Irishman is able to pick up the win in a grudge match against Poirier, Chandler would favor his odds against McGregor.
“Of course I want that possible fight [with Conor McGregor]. Do I think I match-up extremely well against Conor? Absolutely. With my wrestling background plus the power in my hands, plus my ability to mix up the striking with the takedowns, plus my ability to push the pace. I think I’m a nightmare for Conor. But I respect what Conor is doing. Conor is continuing to come into his own.”
Chandler certainly has every right to be riding high on his power as he’s coming off two KO wins. His most recent stoppage win was over former champion Benson Henderson, who’s traditionally been virtually impossible to finish.
Moreover, he also put a defining stamp on Sidney Outlaw to further extend his dominance. It seems like he’s moved past his loss to Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, where he lost his lightweight strap.
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SAITAMA, JAPAN – DECEMBER 29: Michael Chandler and Sidney Outlaw compete in the bout during the Bellator Japan – Fedor v Rampage at Saitama Super Arena on December 29, 2019 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Conor McGregor isn’t short of confidence either, as he’s coming in hot with a demolition win over Donald Cerrone. His fight against ‘Cowboy’ was over in a mere 40 seconds and he’ll be confident going into the fight against Poirier. His first bout with Poirier, in 2014, was wrapped up with a TKO win in one round and ‘The Notorious’ will want to maintain that trend.
