Dana White has confirmed that the UFC is planning for Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler to take place this year. Although the fight has not been signed the mere prospect of this matchup will grab the attention of UFC fans.
Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler
Ferguson (25-6) and Chandler (22-7) have both had a tough time of late in the shark pit that is the lightweight division. Both men are in desperate need of a win to keep their name within the title picture, and such a high profile bout would serve them well.
Tony Ferguson is currently the No.7 ranked lightweight in the UFC but has lost three in a row against Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. “El-Cucuy” is the former UFC interim lightweight champion and has long been considered one of the greatest lightweights in the history of the promotion. However, in recent bouts, his physical strength and technical ability both look to have significantly diminished. If he is to reclaim his spot as the bogeyman of 155lbs, he faces a tough test in Michael Chandler.
Chandler is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion and was painfully close to finishing Oliveira to become the UFC lightweight champion at UFC 262. He fell to a second-round KO loss in that bout, and since then lost a gruelling war to Gaethje. Chandler is currently the No.5 ranked lightweight in the UFC and is considered by most to still be champion material. If he is able to defeat Tony Ferguson, who once went on a 12 fight win streak, he will certainly be in line for a title shot in the future.
The fight would be guaranteed entertainment for fans around the world, but it will almost certainly relegate one man from the conceptual elite of the division. Hopefully, the bout is finalised and the MMA world is treated to some fireworks.
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