Life after Khabib: Ex-Bellator champ Michael Chandler requires TOURNAMENT to resolve Khabib’s successor as UFC champ

Following the information of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, ideas rapidly turned to what would possibly occur subsequent, with new UFC signing Michael Chandler pitching the concept of a match to find out Khabib’s successor as UFC champion.

Former three-time Bellator light-weight champion Chandler signed for the UFC final month and was instantly drafted in as a backup fighter for the light-weight title battle at UFC 254.

The American made weight with ease and fulfilled all of his media obligations, however wasn’t wanted on battle evening as Khabib took on and defeated interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Additionally on rt.com

However, following Khabib’s shock retirement announcement after his victory, Chandler supplied an answer to the UFC as they appear to plan for all times at light-weight, post-Khabib.

Talking to BT Sport after the occasion, Chandler mentioned, “When a person says he’s going to go, he’s going to go – however right here we’re.

“I’m excited to be part of the UFC light-weight division proper now on the prime when there is no such thing as a UFC light-weight champion. So we’ll see what occurs subsequent.

“I did point out Tony Ferguson’s title and we had been speaking about January, however now we’ve acquired Justin Gaethje in right here speaking about eight weeks from tonight desirous to battle for a title. Let’s be sincere: I’m the brand new man. I’m not going to return in right here and say, ‘Hey guys I deserve a title shot.’ I’d love my title to be thrown into the combo.”

Additionally on rt.com

Assured in his talents, however conscious of the necessity to earn his shot within the UFC, Chandler then went on to recommend an answer to crown a brand new champion – a light-weight title match.

“I’d love the chance to battle in a four-man match for that title,” he mentioned.

“Conor, Poirier, myself, Ferguson. There’s some names that should be combating for a title, so let’s make it occur.”

The issue with that concept is that it does not embody the person who simply fought for the title. Gaethje has made clear his want to bounce again as swiftly as doable, so he is positive to be a component in regardless of the UFC has deliberate for the approaching months.

However the arrival of Chandler, a prodigious wrestler with bonafide knockout energy, means there’s a new power within the UFC’s 155-pound division.

It stays to be seen how he’ll slot into the title image within the UFC, however one factor appears clear, with Khabib now retired, the race for the vacant title at 155 kilos is on, and there is a host of contenders eyeing the gold.

Additionally on rt.com