Michael Chandler Believes Ferguson Win Could Get Him Back To The Title

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler feels a win over potential opponent Tony Ferguson could get him on the path to revenge. Chandler is looking to get back into the lightweight title picture after his back-and-forth war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. Despite having his fair share of moments in the fight, he…

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Former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler feels a win over potential opponent Tony Ferguson could get him on the path to revenge.

Chandler is looking to get back into the lightweight title picture after his back-and-forth war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. Despite having his fair share of moments in the fight, he ended up losing via unanimous decision.

Before that, Chandler had lost his title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262. Many believed he was rushed to the title too quickly after winning his UFC debut against Dan Hooker following a successful run in Bellator.

Ferguson was one of the more outspoken critics of Chandler’s quick path to the title shot, even coining the phrase “Dana White Privilege” to describe Chandler’s swift ascension up the ranks. He recently aimed at Chandler again during a recent Instagram post.

During a recent appearance on the DC&RC show, Chandler opined on what a win over Ferguson could do for his standing in the lightweight division.

“It’s always tough. I mean, regardless of organization, us fighters are never really in control of our destiny,” Chandler said. “We have promoters that we work for, and especially when you get to the level of the UFC; these guys are geniuses, they know how to put together fights and they wanna put together fights that make the most sense.

“With that being said, do I think I automatically make myself the number one contender by beating Tony Ferguson or winning my next fight? I don’t think so under normal circumstances. But these are not normal circumstances. I think everybody wants to see a rematch of myself and Charles Oliveira. They wanna see, they definitely wanna see a rematch, chapter two of the fight of the year against Justin Gaethje. So, I’ve kind of put myself in a unique position, where I could be one win away, and I get the nod to go out there and win the title by the end of 2022.”

Ferguson was one of the names who Chandler pointed to earlier this year when asked what he’s looking for in his next opponent. Chandler and Ferguson have had a bit of banter over the past few months, but it’s clear that Chandler has respect for the former interim champ.

UFC President Dana White first teased the matchup during a recent ESPN Q+A with Laura Sanko, stating that the UFC is working on making it happen. It’s unclear timing-wise if and when it’ll take place, but it’s certainly a major fight for both lightweights as well as the fans.

What are your thoughts on the targeted Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson matchup?

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Ferguson Says He Has ‘A Move Reserved’ For Khabib When They Batte

Tony Ferguson still has his eyes set on Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were booked to fight one another five times but for a variety of reasons, the fight never happened. Ever since then, Ferguson has called out “The Eagle” and said he isn’t undefeated because he “lost” to him due to him pulling out […]

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Tony Ferguson still has his eyes set on Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were booked to fight one another five times but for a variety of reasons, the fight never happened. Ever since then, Ferguson has called out “The Eagle” and said he isn’t undefeated because he “lost” to him due to him pulling out multiple times.

Now, Ferguson has taken to social media to say he has something ready for Nurmagomedov when they go to battle.

“Got A Five Point Move Reserved For This Asshole When WeBattle,.. Ippon # TeamTiramisu4L -Champ,” Ferguson wrote on social media.

Ferguson is currently on a three-fight losing streak and during this losing skid, Nurmagomedov blasted “El Cucuy” saying he needs to retire.

“He is 38 years old,” Nurmagomedov said in an interview posted and translated by RT Sport. “Tell me how he can make a comeback? He was dominated in his last three bouts. Different styles – a striker, a grappler… Dariush, Oliveira, Gaethje, they all dominated him both standing up and on the ground. When you are 38, I believe, you have to pull the brakes and there have to be people around him to say: ‘Hey, you are aging, you have to stop.’”

Tony Ferguson is coming off back-to-back lopsided decision losses to Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. Prior to those losses, he suffered a TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 for the interim lightweight title.

Before the setbacks, Ferguson was riding a 12-fight winning streak and was also the former interim lightweight champion. He’s currently in talks to face Michael Chandler next time out in an all-action scrap.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, retired at 29-0 after his submission win over Justin Gaethje in 2020.

What do you make of Tony Ferguson’s latest shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov?

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Michael Chandler Vs. Tony Ferguson Targeted For Later This Year, Per Dana White

Tony Ferguson, Dana White, Michael ChandlerA lightweight showdown between former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and former title challenger Michael Chandler is in the works, per UFC president Dana White. White broke the news during a recent Q&A session hosted by ESPN’s Laura Sanko in which one fan asked him what’s next for Ferguson. He has lost three straight and […]

Tony Ferguson, Dana White, Michael Chandler

A lightweight showdown between former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and former title challenger Michael Chandler is in the works, per UFC president Dana White.

White broke the news during a recent Q&A session hosted by ESPN’s Laura Sanko in which one fan asked him what’s next for Ferguson. He has lost three straight and hasn’t fought since his loss to Beneil Dariush at UFC 262.

“We do [have a fight for Tony Ferguson],” White said. “We’re looking at him versus [Michael] Chandler.”

Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler Still Fighting For Lightweight Positioning

Chandler is also looking to get back in the win column after back-to-back losses. He fell short in his title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 before falling to Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 in an instant classic fight.

Chandler and Ferguson went at it a little bit on the mic before UFC 262. Ferguson accused Chandler of having “Dana White Privilege” and getting a title shot so soon after signing with the UFC from Bellator.

Before joining the UFC, Chandler earned the Bellator lightweight championship and beat some of the best 155 pounders in the sport, including Patricky Freire and Benson Henderson. A win over Ferguson could inch him closer to another title shot in the UFC.

Ferguson’s recent losing skid began when he fell to Gaethje for his second shot at an interim lightweight title at UFC 249. He was originally supposed to face Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249 before travel restrictions prevented Nurmagomedov from making the trip to the United States.

Oliveira is slated to face Gaethje next for the title at UFC 274 later this year. Depending on when and if the Chandler vs. Ferguson fight takes place, one of them could be on the verge of another shot at UFC gold.

What are your thoughts on the targeted Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler fight?

Gregor Gillespie Berates Tony Ferguson For Seeking Michael Chandler Fight

Gregor GillespieGregor Gillespie has slammed Tony Ferguson for rallying for a fight against “Iron” Michael Chandler, a man whom Gillespie has claimed he out grappled during his college days. Gregor Gillespie Takes Aim At ‘El Cucuy’ “El Cucuy” is currently riding a three fight losing streak, having suffered a savage beating at the hands of Justin […]

Gregor Gillespie

Gregor Gillespie has slammed Tony Ferguson for rallying for a fight against “Iron” Michael Chandler, a man whom Gillespie has claimed he out grappled during his college days.

Gregor Gillespie Takes Aim At ‘El Cucuy’

“El Cucuy” is currently riding a three fight losing streak, having suffered a savage beating at the hands of Justin Gaethje at UFC 249, a mauling defeat to current Lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, and a dominant loss to Beneil Dariush. According to Gillespie, Ferguson should be looking at him if it is a wrestling match that he is seeking. “The Gift” has also made the bold claim that he could and would put the same beating on Ferguson that he allegedly administered to Chandler. Gillespie has also claimed that Ferguson has been available to fight him since May of last year, when they fought a week apart from each other. Taking to Instagram, Gillespie said:

“Dude I just got a word again from my manager that Tony Ferguson will not accept a fight against me, bro. And then I see you online Tony? Calling out f***ing Michael Chandler. Saying it’s wrestling season, bro. Dude you understand, like I am the wrestler bro. I beat the sh*t out of Mike Chandler in college and I’ll f*** you up in wrestling, too.

If you are looking for the wrestler bro, accept the fight dude. I need to start climbing and then none of you guys seem to wanna f***ing fight. Tony, me and you are f***ing available dude. We’ve been available since the same f***ing one weekend apart. I fought last and then that next weekend you fought. It’s time bro, let’s just f***ing do it.” (Transcribed by Sportskeeda)

Gregor Gillespie Isn’t On Tony Fergusons Radar

In his most recent tweet, Ferguson has claimed that Chandler is willing to finally face him around the May/June period. He also took a dig at Chandler for “cutting in line” and denying Ferguson the chance to face him”

“There’s My B*tch!!! @MikeChandlerMMA The Brass @danawhite @ufc Relayed Your Message Saying You Would Be Ready For Me April/June. Looks Like Your Trying To Delay That A*s-Whoopin’ I Owe Ya For Cutting In Line Kid- It’s Wrestling Season MF, Man Up- Champ.”

In response, Chandler claimed that, whilst Ferguson was one of the few fighters he held genuine respect for, he would beat him “from bell to bell” were they to finally face off:

“Oh Tony. There’s only a handful of guys in this game I truly respect…you’re one of them. Only because of your tenure, not your stature or your current presence in the division. I’ll beat you from bell to bell. Pray for a merciful ref. We shall see if this fight happens.”

Do you want to see Gregor Gillespie vs. Tony Ferguson?

No More Mr. Nice Guy: A Fired-Up Gillespie Calls Ferguson Out Again

Gregor Gillespie showed more color than usual when calling out Tony Ferguson recently.

Gillespie wants to get more recognition in the lightweight division. As he put it, he feels the need “to start climbing” up the rankings. He has recently been pu…

Tony Ferguson, Gregor Gillespie

Gregor Gillespie showed more color than usual when calling out Tony Ferguson recently.

Gillespie wants to get more recognition in the lightweight division. As he put it, he feels the need “to start climbing” up the rankings. He has recently been publicly calling out #7 ranked lightweight Ferguson, who he sees as a good opponent.

While Gillespie has called out Ferguson before, his message Thursday showed more aggression than usual. In the message, he mentioned his frustration with Ferguson seemingly being more interested in a fight against former title challenger Michael Chandler.

In a short one-minute message via Instagram, Gillespie addressed Ferguson after receiving word that he allegedly turned down a fight between them.

“I just got word again through my manager that Tony Ferguson will not accept the fight against me. And then I see you online, Tony, calling out f Michael Chandler? Saying ‘it’s wrestling season bro,’ dude … If you’re looking for a wrestler, accept the fight [against me], dude.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYZo8r2hgoF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gillespie Follows Up From Lighthearted Call Out

Gillespie’s reference to Ferguson talking about Chandler likely refers to a Twitter back-and-forth that the fighters had last week. In that conversation, both Ferguson and Chandler discussed potentially meeting later this year.

Last month, Gillespie uploaded a video that was politely calling for a fight with Ferguson. In what he noted was only his second time calling out someone, he jokingly said to Ferguson that “It’s time for me to ankle pick you in that Octagon.”

Gillespie, currently ranked #10 at lightweight, has a strong pro record of 14 wins through 15 fights. His sole pro loss came in 2019 when he was knocked out by Kevin Lee. He bounced back from that result in May of last year, stopping Diego Ferreira with strikes.

The next time Ferguson steps in the cage, he will be attempting to break a three-fight losing streak. The first part of this skid came at UFC 249 in 2020, when he lost an interim title fight against Justin Gaethje. Later that year, he lost to Charles Oliveira, who went on to become a champion a year later.

His most recent fight was a loss to Beneil Dariush at UFC 262.

Do you think Gregor Gillespie’s recent message will interest Tony Ferguson?

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Kevin Lee Knew He Wasn’t Ready To Fight Tony Ferguson

Kevin LeeKevin Lee admits he wasn’t ready to fight Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title back in 2017 but decided to call ‘El Cucuy’ out anyway. ‘The Motown Phenom’ was riding a five-fight winning streak and had beaten the likes of Michael Chiesa, Francisco Trinaldo and Jake Matthews to earn a 155lb title shot. During […]

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee admits he wasn’t ready to fight Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title back in 2017 but decided to call ‘El Cucuy’ out anyway.

‘The Motown Phenom’ was riding a five-fight winning streak and had beaten the likes of Michael Chiesa, Francisco Trinaldo and Jake Matthews to earn a 155lb title shot.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Lee admitted he sometimes regrets pursuing a fight with Ferguson – one of the best lightweight fighters in UFC history.

“I’m not gonna say I would do it differently because I don’t regret anything. I might have done some stuff better though,” Lee said. “When I first made like, the big push, when you see me do the Michael Chiesa thing. I didn’t know that that was gonna happen, no regrets, no regrets. But even afterwards, the calling out Tony Ferguson, and getting that fight way too soon, way before I was supposed to get that fight.

“Sometimes I regret it, I’m not gonna lie to you,” Lee confessed. “Sometimes I regret having that overriding confidence to do something you know you shouldn’t do. I knew I wasn’t ready for Tony, at the time I took that fight. I just was like, ‘Alright, we gonna do it. Gonna put my balls out there and we’re gonna see what it is.’ My balls was bigger than my brain.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Kevin Lee Was Recently Cut By The UFC

Despite being just 29 years old and seemingly having a lot left to give, Lee was recently let go by the UFC and has since signed with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC.

During a recent interview with LowKickMMA, Lee spoke with optimism about his fighting future that will see him compete at 165lbs, with his first opponent being Diego Sanchez.

“That was huge,” Lee said of being allowed to compete at 165lbs in Eagle FC. “Not only will my body feel better, I feel like it’s my natural weight class but it’s brand new. So, that means I get to be the inaugural champion for any promotion. I think in the future, once we get away from the UFC being the top dog and all this, those things write well in history. So to be the first 165 world champion means a lot to me.”

Do you think Kevin Lee fought for the UFC title too soon?