Michael Chandler signed to UFC as backup for Khabib vs. Gaethje – is it the right move?

Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has finally joined the UFC.

UFC president Dana White recently announced that Chandler has been signed to an exclusive contract with the UFC and would immediately slot right into place as the backup for the upcoming UFC 254 title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.

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In this video, Patrick Auger and Matthew Wells discuss Chandler joining the UFC and what it means for the lightweight division. Auger explains that it’s “crazy on so many levels” that Chandler could immediately slide into a title fight against Nurmagomedov or Gaethje on his debut.

Wells says as intriguing as those matchups are at the minute, he’d prefer to see Chandler face a top-five fighter not currently in title contention first.

Auger’s response to that suggestion is none other than Dan Hooker. Wells suggests that Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson would be a great idea.

It’s a crazy scenario and any kind of trouble for Nurmagomedov or Gaethje could result in one of the most fascinating UFC debuts in many years.

What do you think? Who would you like to see Chandler fight first?

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Patrick Auger

Patrick is a consultant turned journalist who loves the fight game and everything to do with it. Focusing on the politics, business, and general state of MMA are his mainstays, though he'll dabble in analysis and best bets when he can. He also enjoys football, basketball, baseball, and great jokes in general so feel free to reach out and berate him on social media whenever you disagree with him.