Michael Chandler is UFC bound in a big way.
UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that former Bellator champion Chandler has inked a deal with the promotion. The announcement was made on SportsCenter. In an unprecedented move, Chandler will serve as the backup for the UFC 254 lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.
Dana White announces Michael Chandler has joined the UFC. pic.twitter.com/tqKYfsgNZM
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) September 17, 2020
BREAKING: Michael Chandler signs with @ufc (per @danawhite on @SportsCenter)
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@FightShakFight) September 17, 2020
Chandler (21-5) enters the UFC on the heels of a first-round knockout over former UFC champion Benson Henderson at Bellator 243. The three-time Bellator lightweight titleholder also has a win over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez. He has finished 16 of his professional fights.
UFC 254 takes place on Saturday, October 24 from Fight Island, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The card is headlinde by Nurmagomedov and Gaethje, and also boasts Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Yair Rodriguez, and Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier. Keep up with Fightful for all your fight night coverage.
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