Right after his signing in September, Michael Chandler made it clear that he only wants the UFC’s top five lightweights for his debut. One name he had in mind was Tony Ferguson, but that fight ended up fizzling out, much to his dismay.
Another opponent in his hit list is number-four ranked, Conor McGregor. The former Bellator champion knows how a fight with “The Notorious” will impact his career, and he’s already liking his chances.
“Of course I want my name in that storyline. Of course, I want my name attached to his,” Chandler told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto in a recent interview (transcript by MMA Junkie). “Of course I want that possible fight. 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 am a nightmare for Conor, but I respect what Conor is doing. I think Conor is continuing to come into his own.”
McGregor is currently booked to headline UFC 257 in a rematch against Dustin Poirier. Chandler will be part of the same Jan. 23 event when he takes on Dan Hooker for his maiden Octagon appearance.
UFC 257 will take place at the Flash Forum in “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.
About the author
