Michael Chandler is already an MMA legend, but he has yet to enter the Octagon as a UFC fighter. Chandler has already spent 10 years with Bellator MMA and has built a strong reputation as a tough Lightweight. 

 

Chandler has recently found himself a spot in the UFC, and there are already talks about him facing off against a big-time opponent. The former Bellator champion now finds himself in a unique position with the UFC.

 

Once he was signed, speculation started as to who he would fight first. Instead of the UFC throwing him into the Octagon against an opponent right away, he was designated as the alternate for the UFC 254 main event between Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Justin Gaethje; in case there was an issue with either of these fighters, Chandler would be ready to step in. 

 

Although he will most likely not fight on Saturday night, the fact that he is a replacement for a title bout in the UFC’s most popular division is very telling. If he doesn’t step in for the title, who do you think he deserves to fight for his first UFC bout? Let us know!