So the UFC is back this weekend with its first pay-per-view of the year, featuring a lightweight double-header. The headliner features the return of the UFC’s Irish golden child, but I’d rather focus on the co-main event fight right below it.
The UFC’s respect for Michael Chandler was as clear as day. Upon signing him in September, he was immediately tapped to be a back-up for Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Based on Chandler’s past credentials alone, that reverence was all warranted. And if we speak about his Bellator run, one fight that automatically stands out is his first fight against then-champion Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 98 in 2011.