Chandler vs. Gaethje could be on tap in case Poirier or McGregor have to pull out of their fight next month at UFC 257.
Michael Chandler is yet to have his first UFC fight, but he may end up as a main event backup yet again next month.
Chandler (21-5) was signed to the UFC in September of this year after spending a decade fighting for Bellator. The 34-year-old served as a backup fighter for the lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
UFC president Dana White has now revealed to TSN that Chandler vs. Gaethje could serve as a backup for the rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor next month at UFC 257.
“Listen, if we are going to be out in Fight Island and you have a massive fight with McGregor you have to have a backup,” White said.
“It could be,” replied White when asked if Gaethje vs. Chandler was the backup fight for the main event of UFC 257.
With the amount of high profile fights that have been cancelled recently due to COVID-19, it’s no surprise that the UFC is ready to have another top match between Gaethje and Chandler on standby if something where to happen to either Poirier or McGregor.
UFC 257 takes place on January 23rd at a location or venue that is yet to be announced. Although by the sounds of what White is saying, it looks like the UFC will return to “Fight Island” for the event.