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Michael
Chandler will enter the UFC in an interesting position.
Instead of being booked against a marquee opponent for his Octagon
debut, the former Bellator champion instead will serve as an
alternate for the lightweight title bout between Khabib
Nurmagomedov and Justin
Gaethje at
UFC 254.
“A lot of guys would at it and say, ‘This guy’s silly for doing
this.’ I look at like it’s the perfect way to introduce myself…this
is just an opportunity for me to show up,” Chandler recently told
ESPN. “Whether I fight Oct. 24 or I do not fight Oct. 24, I’m
training as if I am, I’m showing up as if I am, I am making weight
as if I am. It just goes to show exactly who I am.
“I think it’s a perfect introduction to the UFC and the UFC fans of
who I am and how I conduct myself.”
Chandler was reportedly considered as a potential foe for Tony
Ferguson at UFC 254 after the promotion’s negotiations with
Dustin
Poirier fell through, but for now it appears that the former
University of Missouri wrestling standout will serve in a backup
capacity only. According to Chandler, he was open to any and all
possibilities.
“There was talks of guys who were gonna be on that card. I could
step in and fight any of those guys,” Chandler said. “No fights
have transpired. It takes two parties to sign on the dotted line.
I’m ready to fight anybody in the Top 5 on Oct. 24.”
Chandler made it clear he is not hoping for misfortune to fall upon
either Nurmagomedov or Gaethje prior to UFC 254, but if something
does happen, he is confident in his ability to defeat either
man.
“I can’t be held accountable for the decisions that are made by UFC
brass,” Chandler said. “But what I will say is: I think I can beat
Khabib and I think I can beat Gaethje. I think being put in the No.
1 contender’s spot does not scare me. I think being stepping in the
cage with either one of those guys Oct. 24 excites me, and I think
I’m gonna win. If I’ve got to wait until 2021, that excites me and
I think I’m gonna win then. It’s just a matter of time in my eyes
and in my mind.”
