Chandler wants top opponent for UFC debut: Sink or swim

Get the Full StoryPhoto by Jayne Kamin-Oncea Getty Images

With the date of his UFC debut still up in the air, newly-signed Michael Chandler already has his eye on the company s top five lightweights. On Wednesday, Michael Chandler officially signed with the UFC. And with the date of his debut still pending, the three-time Bellator lightweight champion already has his eye on the company s top five 155-pounders.

You gotta keep the main thing the main thing, Chandler said in a recent conversation with TMZ Sports. And the main thing is me staying in the gym, preparing for Khabib, Gaethje, Ferguson, Poirier, Conor... any of those guys in the top five. I told the UFC, I said, Listen, I m not here for long time, I m here for a good time. I want to jump right into that top five right away.

Either I am who I say I am, or I m not. Sink or swim, throw me in their with the wolves and let s see where I come out.

With all of his accomplishments as an 11-year veteran of the sport, the 34-year-old Chandler believes he s worthy of getting an elite opponent.

I ve said it for 11 years: I m the best lightweight on the planet, he said. Have I disproven that theory numerous times by losing or having underwhelming performances? Absolutely. People love a winner, but they love even more the winner who loses and comes back and sets himself up for a comeback.

I ve gone through a lot in this sport and nothing can take this opportunity away from me. October 24th, if it is October 24th, I m going to be ready. And I think I m just a different animal.

Chandler will serve as a back-up fighter for UFC 254 s headliner between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje on Fight Island, in Abu Dhabi.

Share: