UFC President Dana White shared his opinion on Michael Chandler’s win over Dan Hooker at UFC 257
Michael Chandler introduced himself with a bang on Saturday. The former Bellator lightweight champion showed that his record outside the Octagon deserves respect after clobbering Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 257.
Chandler took less than a round to clock Hooker with a left hook and earn a W in his UFC debut. After the win Chandler made the most of his time on the mic, calling out most of the division’s elites.
Even though the true winner of the weekend was Dustin Poirier, who defeated Conor McGregor and put himself at the top of the list for next lightweight title challenger, Chandler isn’t far behind.
During his post fight press conference UFC President Dana White was asked about Chandler’s performance. It’s safe to say that the longtime Bellator detractor was more than happy with what he saw.
“Off the top of my head, I can’t remember a better one,” White said, when comparing Chandler’s first UFC fight to the many others he has seen over the years (ht MMA Junkie).
“When guys come into the UFC for the first time, they usually have a rough first time on the big stage. He didn’t. He came out and it almost seemed like Hooker froze in that first round. Chandler was just all over him and put on an incredible performance. Listen, man, when you get the platform we had tonight, you make the most of it, and that kid did. Some people did tonight and some didn’t.”
What comes next for Chandler, and the lightweight division, is up in the air — thanks to the uncertainty around the status of Khabib Nurmagomedov (the last person to hoist a UFC lightweight title belt).
If ‘The Eagle’ sticks to his guns, which seems very likely, and remains retired from the sport, White will have to decide who gets to compete for the 155 lb crown. Fortunately for him he’s not short on options.
And from the sounds of it, White will gladly consider Chandler, along with Poirier (and perhaps Charles Oliveira) as contenders for the belt, even if he “hates” Chandler’s post-fight celebration.