Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson
An epic lightweight showdown between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler is reportedly targeted for UFC 274 as per a recent report by Ariel Helwani
Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler have been chirping at each other for quite some time now. The unlikely rivalry that originated at the UFC 262 press conference will likely be concluded inside the UFC octagon better soon than later.
Tony Ferguson was a bit flustered at the UFC 262 press conference watching Michael Chandler get a shot at the UFC gold after only one win inside the UFC octagon. He famously quoted Michael Chandler of having ‘Dana privilege’ summarizing his cakewalk path to the title picture.
Both fighters lost that night- while Tony lost a unanimous decision fight to Beneil Dariush, Chandler lost his fight to Charles Oliveira by knockout. While ‘El Cucuy’ hasn’t stepped in for a fight since then, Michael Chandler delivered an absolute banger of a fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. The fight that was indubitably guaranteed to be fireworks, lived up to the expectation and Chandler’s stocks have soared since then.
During a recent Spotify Greenroom appearance, Helwani reported that the fight might be very close to fruition.
“It’s looking very much like May 7th for Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler,” said Helwani.
Both crowd favorites by now, will be looking to revive the careers and bound over to title contention race after a bit of a slump.
Michael Chandler is all set to face Tony Ferguson potentially at UFC 274. Rumors of the duo fighting have been making circles inside the MMA circuit for quite some time now.
Fresh out of his ‘Fight of the year’ battle against Justin Gaethje, Chandler is looking determined to deliver another barn burner, but ensuring he gets his hand raised this time around.
Chandler sat down with CBS Sports‘ Shakiel Mahjouri and shared his thoughts on his upcoming opponent:
“I think I’m just basic, and I’m gonna keep a high pace, and we know Tony can keep a high pace. But I think I’m just gonna be a little bit more sharp. I think my power is gonna be a lot for him. I think I’m gonna have a speed advantage and an athleticism advantage. I’m good in all of the areas that Tony is good, he’s got very slick jiu-jitsu. I’ve yet to be caught in a submission so I don’t see Tony catching me, but he is very dangerous on the ground and I think his biggest attribute, his biggest strength, and the thing people fear the most is that he’s just got a little bit of a screw loose. That’s what excites everybody about these matchups. You never know what you’re gonna get when Tony steps into the octagon.”
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