Michael Chandler has been a high-level lightweight championship fighter for several years before making his way into the UFC. With wins against former UFC champions like Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson under his belt, it’s hard to deny that Chandler isn’t elite. Furthermore, he could finally have his opportunity to stake his claim at being the best come October 24, 2020.

Chandler who’s one of the biggest free-agent UFC signings in recent times has been called up to the big show. The UFC has placed him as an alternate fighter for the highly anticipated main event at UFC 254. Michael believes that despite the challenges that come with being an alternate, his skill set will be enough.

Michael Chandler says he has studied Khabib Nurmagomedov

Chandler is supremely confident in his ability to hang against the very best that the UFC has to offer. Moreover, there is little debate as to the fact that both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje sit atop the mountain of elite lightweights. ‘The Eagle’ [28-0] has been a colossal force under the bright lights and there is little debate that he’s the man to beat.

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However, Michael Chandler left no room for doubt that his life’s work has boiled down to such a defining fight. Speaking to MMA fighting, he elaborated on his mindset about a Khabib fight.

The former Bellator lightweight champion said, “Extremely confident. Because I don’t care if it’s day 1 or day 1,000, I’ve put in my 10,000 hours in this sport and I’ve been focusing on beating Khabib since he got in the UFC. I’ve been studying him and I knew he was going to become champion four fights before he actually became champion. He’s got the champion’s mindset, he’s got the physical attributes, and he’s got a style that has looked about as unbeatable as anyone we’ve ever seen in the UFC.”

Chandler breaks down interim champion Justin Gaethje

‘Iron’ Chandler called his shot against former WSOF champion Justin Gaethje, as he could be a possible fight as well.

He said, “I think I’m a bad matchup for either of them. What you need to beat Gaethje, you’ve got to keep your hands up but fight him, also. You’ve got to wear him down like Eddie [Alvarez] did and you eventually get the TKO. If you don’t eventually get the TKO, you’ve got to land more shots than he lands. For me, that’s the game plan against Justin Gaethje.”

Eyes will be drawn towards Chandler come UFC 254, as he will have made the weight for a possible fight. Chiefly, the MMA community will also be keen to hear news regarding a confirmed opponent for Michael down the road. His presence has reinvigorated an interest in an already stacked lightweight division.