Michael Chandler is to make his UFC debut against Dan Hooker next week
The long awaited UFC debut of Michael Chandler takes place later this week. The former Bellator Lightweight Champion faces a tough task in Dan Hooker.
However, this is a big chance for Chandler to firmly put himself in the UFC title scene. Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired champion, met with Dana White recently.
While White hoped for Khabib to come back. The Russian claimed he might return only if someone impressed him next week.
There are two huge Lightweight clashes on the horizon at UFC 257. Chandler vs Hooker is one while the other sees Conor McGregor take on Dustin Poirier in a rematch from 2014.
The winner of that clash should be in the title scene but it will be interesting to see how Hooker vs Chandler goes.
Chandler training hard in quarantine
The UAE authorities are doing everything they can to ensure the UFC stars don’t contract Covid-19. There are several tests done right from landing and the stars are also placed in quarantine.
While being in quarantine is tough, there is no doubt that Chandler is taking things seriously. The UFC star posted a few pictures of him training in quarantine but he seems ready for the fight:
“Just a guy waking up at 3am in hotel quarantine dreaming about getting out and back on the beach here on #fightisland
“Little over 24 hours of #quarantine left and then we are free to roam around the hotel and reunite with the team.
“The protocols are arduous but a new normal.
“See you at the top!”
There is a lot of hype surrounding Chandler and he needs to impress in this clash. The American was the standby for when Khabib fought Justin Gaethje, and a win over Hooker would be the perfect start to his career.
The Lightweight division is filled with a ton of talent, and it is difficult to see who the belt could land up on if Khabib doesn’t return.
More UFC news
- (Watch) Conor McGregor shows off new diamond-studded watch with X-rated detail
- Miesha Tate backs “improved” Dustin Poirier to knock Conor McGregor out
- Conor McGregor reacts to Max Holloway’s Muhammad Ali moment and best UFC boxer comment
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates
