Everything seems to be going right for Octagon newcomer Michael Chandler.
Not only did he score a lucrative UFC contract, “Iron” was able to debut at No. 4 on the official rankings chart, thanks to his thunderous knockout victory over lightweight contender Dan Hooker at last weekend’s UFC 257 pay-per-view (PPV) in Abu Dhabi.
What’s that got to do with pro wrestling legend Ric Flair?
Chandler’s post-fight interview borrowed heavily from “The Nature Boy’s” 1992 Royal Rumble promo (compare them here and here), so Flair thought it fit to congratulate Chandler on his victory, as well as his homage to the wrestling legend.
Here’s a closer look:
Inspired To Share Great Moments In Life! pic.twitter.com/DQCYbc9NHB
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 28, 2021
“Just got a personal zoom call from Ric Flair to congratulate me on my win at UFC 257,” Chandler wrote on social media. “Living an actual dream. Thank y’all for being on this journey with me. Stay the course. Eventually all your hard work will pay off, you just still have to be standing there with arms wide open when it does. WOOOOOOOOOO!”
Chandler, 34, improved to 22-5 with his finish over “The Hangman” and is likely one victory away from a lightweight title shot. Assuming matchmakers pit Dustin Poirier against Charles Oliveira for the vacant title, that leaves “Iron” to fight … Justin Gaethje?
We’ll find out in a couple of weeks.