Mike Chandler signs with UFC, will be backup for Khabib vs. Gaethje

17 September 2020

Former Bellator World Champion Mike Chandler has signed with UFC. The announcement was made by UFC president Dana White. Chandler will serve as a  backup for the UFC Lightweight title bout between champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje which is scheduled to happen on October 24 at UFC 254.

Chandler comes in with a professional record of 21-5 to his name and is riding on a two-fight winning streak having won against Benson Henderson and Sidney Outlaw. Chandler spent a major portion of his career in Bellator where he was a three-time Lightweight World Champion.

He is tied with David Rickels for the most number of fights in Bellator with 23 and also holds the record for the most number of stoppage wins in the promotion and had six successful title defenses across his three title reigns.

The 34-year-old is also a former NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler and is expected to be a great addition to the already stacked UFC Lightweight division.

The Lightweight title between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje will serve as the main event for UFC 254 which will happen during the return of UFC to Fight Island.

Who do you think Chandler should fight in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below.

Image Courtesy: Bellator MMA