Michael Chandler made it look easy when he finally made his UFC debut in January 2021.
The 38-year-old was widely regarded as one of MMA’s best lightweights after his run in Bellator.
A three-time champion in the promotion, he made the switch to MMA’s top league four years ago.
Michael Chandler proved he’s elite by knocking out a top contender in 150 seconds at UFC 257.
- READ MORE: Who is Michael Chandler? Meet the iconic lightweight MMA fighter with a flare for the dramatic
Watch Michael Chandler wipe out Dan Hooker
UFC debuts don’t get much harder than a fight with long-time lightweight contender Dan Hooker.
‘The Hangman’ was fresh off a five-round war with Dustin Poirier when he was matched up with Chandler.
Hooker took all of Poirier’s power shots for 25 minutes, but he couldn’t survive one round against the UFC newbie.
Chandler dropped the New Zealander with a massive left hook that signaled the beginning of the end.
Hooker turtled up as his opponent followed him to the floor and dropped nasty ground and pound.
The fight was ultimately waved off at 2:30 of the first frame before wild celebrations ensued.
Chandler topped off one of the best UFC debuts ever by backflipping off the cage and channeling WWE legend Ric Flair for a memorable post-fight interview.
Michael Chandler looks to get back to winning ways at UFC 314
Chandler’s UFC career hasn’t gone the way he would’ve wanted since his spectacular debut.
‘Iron’ has lost four of his past five fights, most recently falling to a decision defeat against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November.
A fight with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 represents a big step down in opposition for Chandler.
The lightweight duo will clash in an eagerly anticipated five-round co-main event on Saturday night.
A UFC 314 win would put Chandler back in the title mix, while a loss would seemingly end his hopes of earning a second shot at UFC gold.