Michael Chandler Expects To Go Into “Enemy Territory” At UFC 274

Despite coming off of an instant classic against Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler thinks he’ll be the target of hostility at UFC 274 tonight in Phoenix. Chandler will face former interim UFC lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson, in a three-round bout on the UFC 274 main card. It’s been dubbed by some fans as the ‘people’s main…

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Despite coming off of an instant classic against Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler thinks he’ll be the target of hostility at UFC 274 tonight in Phoenix.

Chandler will face former interim UFC lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson, in a three-round bout on the UFC 274 main card. It’s been dubbed by some fans as the ‘people’s main event’ featuring two top-tier contenders.

But Chandler knows that Ferguson has a larger UFC fanbase than he does just a few fights into his promotional tenure. During his UFC 274 media day press conference, he alluded that he’s not just prepared for Ferguson, but a potentially hostile reception from Ferguson’s fans.

“I will say that I remember how big of a support he (Ferguson) had in May when I fought Oliveira for the title (in Texas),” Chandler said. “The dude’s got a following, and his following travels. So, I expect there to be—and it’s the fact that it’s Arizona, obviously, there’s gonna be a Mexican heritage contingency,… Cinco de Mayo, you know. Turns out I’m going into enemy territory. I didn’t even realize that until just now.”

Chandler went on to address if this fight night will feel any different than some of his past appearances.

“Competition to me, hand-to-hand combat, is the same, whether it’s in front of a couple hundred people at the Hearnes Center back in Missouri or at these sold-out arenas. I’m gonna go out there and do what I do best.”

Chandler is looking to stay in the lightweight title chase following back-to-back losses to Gaethje and Charles Oliveira last year. He earned a lightweight title shot against Oliveira at UFC 262 after knocking out Dan Hooker in his UFC debut at UFC 257.

Chandler is no stranger to the big stage. Before signing with the UFC, he enjoyed multiple reigns as the Bellator lightweight champion, earning wins over the likes of Benson Henderson and Patricky Pitbull.

Chandler and Ferguson are both looking to get back in the win column after recent struggles, and Chandler is looking to seize the moment tonight at UFC 274.

What is your prediction for Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 274?

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Expects To Go Into “Enemy Territory” At UFC 274 at MMA News.

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 274 LowKick MMA Staff Predictions

UFC 274UFC 274’s main card features two electric lightweight bouts that both have fans abuzz. Whilst the main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje will take the headlines, the ‘co-co-main’ event between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson has the potential to steal the show. Both men are riding losing streaks right now, and a win […]

UFC 274

UFC 274’s main card features two electric lightweight bouts that both have fans abuzz. Whilst the main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje will take the headlines, the ‘co-co-main’ event between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson has the potential to steal the show.

Both men are riding losing streaks right now, and a win at UFC 274 is imperative for either man to reinstate himself into the 155lb title picture. Chandler is a heavy betting favorite, but Ferguson has been in fine form for the entirety of fight week, looking exceptional on the scales.

Let’s see who the Lowkick MMA staff see winning this one:

LowKick MMA Staff Predictions for Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 274

Frank Bonada

Contrary to what I imagine will be the popular opinion, I’m going to go with Tony Ferguson for this one. ‘El Cucuy‘ is undeniably out of his prime, but Michael Chandler is no spring chicken either. I believe the first round will determine how the fight plays out, in that there is a solid chance Chander will simply finish Ferguson before the start of the second. However, should Ferguson make it to round 2, Chandler will begin to lose his explosivity. It is then that Ferguson can begin to implement his own gameplan, landing lethal attritional damage on his opponent, only increasing the pressure as the fight goes on. It may be a long shot, but Ferguson by decision is my official prediction for UFC 274.

Prediction: Tony Ferguson

Ross Markey

Personally, I’ve seen something entirely different from former interim champion, Tony Ferguson this week ahead of UFC 274. I’d lean away from a cerebral moniker, and lean to a dialed-in, motivated, and composed Ferguson, even reminiscent of his most recent wins against Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis. However, walking the walk and appearing reinvigorated is only half the battle. Michael Chandler has proven to be one of the fastest starters in an opening round we’ve seen in the last couple years. Stylistically, it’s a less than straightforward matchup for both, to be honest, but as for Chandler – he really needs to be met with a version of Ferguson, I myself am not wholly sure exists anymore. I think collectively fans and pundits alike are hoping for a better showing from Ferguson, but the early exchanges will go a long way in determining how this one plays out. It’s really difficult to look beyond Chandler given what we know regarding Ferguson’s form and skid, so anything less than a decision choice in his favor would be naive of me.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Lewis Simpson

Personally, Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler is my most anticipated bout at UFC 274. As of late, the game-plan to beat Ferguson has been put out there. With Chandler’s wrestling credentials, I expect him to hand Ferguson a fourth straight loss, which I never thought I’d say years back. The fight is there to be won relatively comfortably for Chandler if he fights smart and doesn’t play up the crowd. Ferguson thrives in the chaos and on the crowd’s energy. Chandler can not get drawn into that, which will heavily favor Ferguson. Chandler by decision for me, with Ferguson being too tough for his own good.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Nikhil Sharma

Another great fight on UFC 274. I feel like it’s an important fight for both, especially if they want to be considered for the title again. Tony presents a big threat striking wise and while Chandler comes off as a better wrestler, I doubt he’ll take Tony down. It’ll be a fan-friendly fight that I see Chandler winning by decision. The only way Chandler loses this one is if he throws caution to the wind and gets caught.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Alex Nikollaj

Two of the most dangerous men on the UFC roster are clashing in what could be another potential fight of the year. Chandler and Ferguson will, without a doubt, meet in the middle of that octagon and push each other to the absolute limit to see who really wants to take the steps back towards the belt. I believe the time off for Tony may have been just what he needed, but Chandler knows the danger and the challenge he has in front of him at UFC 274 and for that reason I’m picking Chandler to win. I believe he will be very smart in the cage on Saturday and will be too fast for Ferguson, beating him to the punch and controlling the action the whole time.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Michael Gingrich

This bout has all the makings to be the fight of the night. Ferguson and Chandler just love violence and that gets everyone excited. Ferguson has lost his last few fights by being dominated on the ground. I don’t think Chandler is going to wrestle Ferguson and will be going for the finish. With that being said, I think that works in the favor of Ferguson. I think Ferguson has something to prove in this fight and will be the more technically sound fighter. I have Ferguson winning by decision. With that being said, this fight is going to be awesome and I could see it going either way.

Prediction: Tony Ferguson

Keelin McNamara

Man, oh man. When is Tony Ferguson going to catch a break? ‘El Cucuy’ has faced absolutely monstrous matchups in his last three fights, and he doesn’t exactly face an easier task here. Michael Chandler is on a slide, yes, but he still has massive firepower in his hands. Plus, he can utilize his wrestling if he really wants to. I love Tony, and the biased side of me wants to see him win. However, I see Michael Chander pushing the pace and eventually being too much. Late stoppage for Chandler at UFC 274.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Who do you see coming out on top in this UFC 274 lightweight clash?

UFC 274 Weigh-In Drama: Oliveira Misses Weight, Title Vacated

The UFC 274 weigh-ins have wrapped up, but it wasn’t without its share of drama, as Charles Oliveira has been stripped of the lightweight title after missing weight by 0.5 pounds. Oliveira missed weight on his first attempt, coming in at 155.5 pounds. He would then come in at the same weight on his second…

Continue Reading UFC 274 Weigh-In Drama: Oliveira Misses Weight, Title Vacated at MMA News.

The UFC 274 weigh-ins have wrapped up, but it wasn’t without its share of drama, as Charles Oliveira has been stripped of the lightweight title after missing weight by 0.5 pounds.

Oliveira missed weight on his first attempt, coming in at 155.5 pounds. He would then come in at the same weight on his second attempt. You can catch a glimpse at Oliveira on the scales below.

As a result of his weight miss, the lightweight championship is now vacant. However, since Justin Gaethje successfully made weight, he is still eligible to win the title tomorrow night with a victory. In addition to being stripped of the title, Oliveira will also be fined for the miss.

Another person who missed weight today was Norma Dumont, who came in 0.5 pounds over the featherweight limit ahead of her fight against Macy Chiasson. As a result, Dumont has been fined 30% of her fight purse but the fight will proceed as scheduled.

Everyone else successfully made weight, and each scheduled bout on the card will proceed.

You can catch our staff picks for the event right here. If you missed the press conference highlights, you can get up to speed here. Want to watch the UFC’s live official weigh-in show? You can do so right here!

UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje takes place live tonight from The Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. You can catch the weigh-in results below, courtesy of UFC.com, and find full coverage of the event tomorrow right here on MMANews.com!

UFC 274 Weigh-In Results

UFC 274 MAIN CARD (PPV, 10:00 PM ET)

Main Event – Lightweight Title: Charles Oliveira (155.5)* vs Justin Gaethje (155)

Co-Main Event – Strawweight Title: Rose Namajunas (115) vs Carla Esparza (115)

Lightweight Bout: Michael Chandler (156) vs Tony Ferguson (155.5)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Shogun Rua (205.5) vs Ovince Saint Preux (205)

Lightweight Bout: Donald Cerrone (155.5) vs Joe Lauzon (155.5)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8:00 PM ET)

Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (170.5) vs Khaos Williams (170)

Welterweight Bout: Francisco Trinaldo (170.5) vs Danny Roberts (170.5)

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Macy Chiasson (145.5) vs Norma Dumont (146.5)**

Flyweight Bout: Brandon Royval (125.5) vs Matt Schnell (125.5)

EARLY PRELIMS (ESPN+/UFC FIGHT PASS, 6:00 PM ET)

Heavyweight Bout: Blagoy Ivanov (253.5) vs Marcos Rogerio de Lima (258.5)

Welterweight Bout: Andre Fialho (170.5) Cameron VanCamp (170)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Tracy Cortez (125.5) vs Melissa Gatto (125)

Flyweight Bout: Kleydson Rodrigues (125.5) vs CJ Vergara (126)

Women’s Strawweight Bout:  Ariane Carnelossi (115.5) vs Loopy Godinez (115)

Bantamweight Bout: Journey Newson (135.5) vs Fernie Garcia (135.5)

Continue Reading UFC 274 Weigh-In Drama: Oliveira Misses Weight, Title Vacated at MMA News.

Conor McGregor Questions How Many Bridges Tony Ferguson ‘Must Burn’ Amid Tirade Against UFC

Tony FergusonFormer two-weight UFC titleholder, Conor McGregor has taken umbrage with former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson’s recent tirade aimed at the promotion and its president, Dana White – comparing the head honcho and other promotional officials to “drug dealers”.  Tony Ferguson, a former interim lightweight gold holder, is slated to return for the first time […]

Tony Ferguson

Former two-weight UFC titleholder, Conor McGregor has taken umbrage with former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson’s recent tirade aimed at the promotion and its president, Dana White – comparing the head honcho and other promotional officials to “drug dealers”. 

Tony Ferguson, a former interim lightweight gold holder, is slated to return for the first time in a year this weekend on the main card of UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona – drawing fellow division contender, Michael Chandler in a high-profile matchup. 

In his most recent outing back in May of last year, Oxnard veteran, Ferguson featured in the co-main event of UFC 262 against Beneil Dariush – suffering a third consecutive loss in a one-sided unanimous decision defeat. 

The loss followed a prior unanimous decision loss to current lightweight kingpin, Charles Oliveira, and an eventual fifth round knockout loss to Justin Gaethje in an interim title fight.

However, during his media availability earlier this week, Ferguson alluded to some “retaliation tactics” imposed by the promotion since his last fight with Dariush – resulting in his lengthy layoff from the Octagon.

Responding to Ferguson’s comments regarding the UFC and the above mentioned, White, McGregor, who was previously represented alongside Ferguson at Paradigm Sports Management, before the latter cut ties, claimed that maybe Ferguson was the issue, and not the organization.

“Tony Ferguson, who changes representation around 4 times a year, is saying it’s someone else (sic) fault he is in the position he is in,” Conor McGregor tweeted in a now-deleted post. “How many bridges do you burn before you look yourself in the mirror and say “maybe it’s me that’s the issue”. God bless you pal, I’ll say a prayer.” 

Tony Ferguson also called for the UFC to implement a health insurance policy

At last night’s press conference, Ferguson also called for the UFC to implement a health insurance policy for fighters contractually tied to the organization. 

“I’d say, let’s get some insurance for these fighters,” Tony Ferguson said during the UFC 274 press conference. “Let’s raise the tier up. You know what I mean – when they (the UFC) did the Reebok deal, they had tiers, so how many fights you had inside the Octagon, I say we do the same thing, man. We all have families, we all have to support our systems – let’s do that sh*t, man. I don’t know, Dana’s (White) not here but – insurance… I’m a grown-ass man, I’ve got to look after my family, so insurance is cool for me.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds To Criticizm From Tony Ferguson: ‘Leave Me Alone, Stupid Guy’

Tony FergusonFormer undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to recent criticizm from former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – urging the Oxnard native to focus on his own career ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, and leave him alone. Khabib, who was booked to fight Ferguson on no less than five separate occasions, most recent […]

Tony Ferguson

Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to recent criticizm from former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – urging the Oxnard native to focus on his own career ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, and leave him alone.

Khabib, who was booked to fight Ferguson on no less than five separate occasions, most recent of which in April 2020, never shared the Octagon with the former interim gold holder – in arguably the most awaited fight in promotional history to never occur.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson is considered one of the biggest failed fights in the sport’s history

The Dagestan native would retire from professional mixed martial arts in October of that year following a successful title unification victory over Justin Gaethje, calling time on his professional career, boasting an undefeated 29-0 record.

In the time since his most recent cancelled fight with Khabib, Tony Ferguson has slumped to three consecutive losses, dropping defeats to common-foe, Gaethje, current champion, Charles Oliveira, and the streaking, Beneil Dariush. Ferguson returns this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend against Michael Chandler.

Speaking on his failed prior matchups with Khabib ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, Ferguson told the former champion’s teammate, Daniel Cormier that his training partner had continued to run away and avoid a fight with him.

“I’m gonna be real, the last few fights I didn’t prepare like I should have,” Tony Ferguson said. “I didn’t take the opportunities I wanted to . I’m not gonna say on purpose, but I wanna be real. There was enough film out there for Khabib (Nurmagomedov) to take a fight and the p*ssy’s still running.”
Replying to Ferguson’s comments on Cormier’s official Instagram account, Khabib pointed to Ferguson’s recent skid of three losses, and urged him to just focus on his own fighting career.

“Last 3 years, Tony (Ferguson) has not won a single round in the UFC,” Khabib Nurmagomedov posted. “Leave me alone and focus on yourself stupid guy.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds To Criticizm From Tony Ferguson: ‘Leave Me Alone, Stupid Guy’

Tony FergusonFormer undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to recent criticizm from former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – urging the Oxnard native to focus on his own career ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, and leave him alone. Khabib, who was booked to fight Ferguson on no less than five separate occasions, most recent […]

Tony Ferguson

Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to recent criticizm from former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – urging the Oxnard native to focus on his own career ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, and leave him alone.

Khabib, who was booked to fight Ferguson on no less than five separate occasions, most recent of which in April 2020, never shared the Octagon with the former interim gold holder – in arguably the most awaited fight in promotional history to never occur.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson is considered one of the biggest failed fights in the sport’s history

The Dagestan native would retire from professional mixed martial arts in October of that year following a successful title unification victory over Justin Gaethje, calling time on his professional career, boasting an undefeated 29-0 record.

In the time since his most recent cancelled fight with Khabib, Tony Ferguson has slumped to three consecutive losses, dropping defeats to common-foe, Gaethje, current champion, Charles Oliveira, and the streaking, Beneil Dariush. Ferguson returns this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend against Michael Chandler.

Speaking on his failed prior matchups with Khabib ahead of UFC 274 this weekend, Ferguson told the former champion’s teammate, Daniel Cormier that his training partner had continued to run away and avoid a fight with him.

“I’m gonna be real, the last few fights I didn’t prepare like I should have,” Tony Ferguson said. “I didn’t take the opportunities I wanted to . I’m not gonna say on purpose, but I wanna be real. There was enough film out there for Khabib (Nurmagomedov) to take a fight and the p*ssy’s still running.”
Replying to Ferguson’s comments on Cormier’s official Instagram account, Khabib pointed to Ferguson’s recent skid of three losses, and urged him to just focus on his own fighting career.

“Last 3 years, Tony (Ferguson) has not won a single round in the UFC,” Khabib Nurmagomedov posted. “Leave me alone and focus on yourself stupid guy.”