‘See you on the prime!’ Ex-Bellator champ Michael Chandler indicators with UFC, instantly drafted in as backup for Khabib-Gaethje combat

Three-time Bellator light-weight champion Michael Chandler has signed with the UFC and been put in because the backup fighter forward of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s title combat with Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

Chandler, who is likely one of the most embellished fighters in Bellator historical past, entered free-agency after his knockout win over former UFC light-weight champion Benson Henderson at Bellator 243 on August 7.

His emergence as a free-agent sparked mass hypothesis over a attainable transfer to the UFC, with the fighter expressing an curiosity in testing himself, and UFC president Dana White admitting he appreciated the American powerhouse.

Now the deal has been carried out to make Chandler a UFC fighter, and his first task might come as early as UFC 254, with the newcomer set to function as a backup fighter for the light-weight title essential occasion between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.

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Dana White broadcasts Michael Chandler has joined the UFC. pic.twitter.com/tqKYfsgNZM

— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) September 17, 2020

UFC president Dana White confirmed the information to ESPN’s Sportscenter in the USA, as Chandler arrives within the UFC light-weight division as an on the spot contender at 155 kilos.

Chandler’s report reads 21 wins, 5 losses. He captured Bellator’s light-weight title 3 times throughout his profession with the promotion, and holds wins over the likes of former UFC champion Henderson and Eddie Alvarez, plus Brent Primus and Patricky “Pitbull” Freire. He misplaced his light-weight title to Patricky’s brother Patricio, who knocked him out to change into a two-division champion.

It seemed like Chandler had positioned himself completely for a championship rematch with Patricio, however as a substitute opted to signal with the UFC, the place a bunch of big potential matchups await.

Talking to ESPN, Chandler reacted to his signing by saying, “Ultimately arduous work pays off, you simply need to nonetheless be standing there when it does. I’m humbled by the chance and might’t wait to go show what I’ve been saying for the previous 12 months; that I’m the perfect light-weight on the planet. See you on the prime!”

In addition to Khabib and Gaethje, the UFC light-weight division boasts the likes of Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Dan Hooker and, in fact, Conor McGregor.

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