Michael Chandler is now the hottest free agent on the MMA market after taking on former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson via first KO round yesterday (Fri. 7 Aug. 2020) at Bellator 243 (highlights HERE).
Chandler, 34, competed in the final fight of his current Bellator MMM contract. The former Bellator lightweight champion has been a member of the organization for the past decade, but has announced that he will undertake all offers in the free agency.
Fight fans have long wondered how Chandler would honestly stand up to competition in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division and could end up witnessing the transition once everything is said and done. Chandler is probably the best fighter in the history of Bellator MMA and it’s interesting to think about his potential as a member of the UFC roster.
During the Bellator 243 post-fight press conference (full replay HERE), Chandler took a moment to discuss a possible move to the UFC and a dream matchup against MMA superstar Conor McGregor.
“The thing about Conor McGregor is that I always liked what he did with the sport,” Chandler said. ‘I’ve never hated him before. In the beginning I said he’s not as good as he thinks he is, but he’s better than we think he is, and he kept proving that. I still think he’s not as good as he thinks he is, but that’s a testament to his confidence. If we all had a little more confidence, like Conor McGregor, life would be a little different and we would see life through a different lens. “
It’s unlikely Chandler could sign at the UFC and immediately include a Red Panty Night against “Notorious”, but the former Bellator champion remains confident he can finish off the Irishman within two rounds.
“As far as the fight goes, I end up Conor in under two, in my opinion,” Chandler said. ‘It would look like shadows of (Nate) Diaz I. Carry him down, hit him with hard shots – hard, hard shots. Take each his shot. He has that sneaky and strong and thick and hard left hand he throws, and it’s instant. You avoid that, carry him a little, make him see Jesus. Just expose him. ”
What do you say, Maniacs? Will Chandler end up with the UFC? If so, what would he do in a collision with Conor McGregor?
Let us know!
For full Bellator 243 results and coverage click over here.
