Michael Chandler Signs With UFC, To Serve As Khabib/Gaethje Backup

Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has officially signed with the UFC.

Dana White announced on Thursday’s SportsCenter that Michael Chandler is the newest member of the UFC roster and also revealed the promotion’s big plans for him. As Khabib Nurmagomedov prepares to put his UFC lightweight championship on the line against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Chandler will serve as the designated replacement fighter for the bout.

Michael Chandler holds an MMA record of 21-5 and is a two-time lightweight champion in the promotion. Chandler has claimed to be the best lightweight in the world for some time now and even if Khabib/Gaethje goes off without a hitch, it appears that Chandler is not too far away from having a chance to prove that.

Chandler is currently on a two-fight winning streak, most recently defeating former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson via first-round KO at Bellator 243.

What do you think of this major signing? And do you believe Michael Chandler should be the replacement fighter for Khabib/Gaethje at UFC 254?

Related News

Top Stories

UFC Store

Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

Ilia Topuria’s bold decision to vacate his featherweight title and make the jump to...

UFC Fight Night: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev Weigh-In Live Stream & Results

UFC Fight Night: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev takes place on Saturday, and MMA...

Kash Patel Said To Be Considering UFC-FBI Partnership To Train Agents In Martial Arts

Kash Patel appears to have an intriguing vision — one that could potentially lead...

UFC Lightweight Bitter After Missing Out On Justin Gaethje Fight: ‘Strikers Have Always Feared Wrestlers!’

A UFC lightweight contender seems to be fuming after being passed over for the...

Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued a nine-month suspension and $2,500 fine to...

Dustin Poirier Responds To Claim He Rejected Justin Gaethje Trilogy At UFC 313

Dustin Poirier has refuted any suggestion he outright rejected a potential short-notice clash with...

‘Mitchell’s Toughest Opponent Yet…Outside Of Basic Science’ – Fans React To Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva Joining UFC 314 Card

Rising UFC featherweight contender Jean Silva has had his wish to share the cage...

Justin Gaethje Claims 5 Big Names Turned Down UFC 313 Fight Before Rafael Fiziev Rematch Got Booked

Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has a replacement opponent set for UFC 313...

Marlon Vera Set To Face Opponent On Seven-Fight Win Streak At UFC Fight Night On May 3

Marlon Vera is seemingly set for a showdown with a stylistically challenging opponent in...