NEWS

Dana White Recalls Impressive Story of Michael Chandler and His UFC Debut

by
Dipayan Moitra
May 13, 2021

Michael Chandler engaged in a fierce battle with Dan Hooker.

Dana White has always been full of praises for Michael Chandler. Following his move from Bellator, Chandler has become one of the most captivating figures in the lightweight division.

In his UFC debut, Chandler ravaged Dan Hooker in the very first round and won via KO/TKO. Subsequently, Chandler took up the mic and announced himself as the new king of the lightweight division. As such, Dana White speaks about Michael’s debut and their first-ever interaction.

“Such a nice, just a f***ing really nice guy.” Dana White reveals that his five-minute phone conversation with Chandler was enough to convince him that Chandler was a special guy. “I told Hunter (lawyer), get the deal done. I want this kid.”

From day one, Dana was very happy with Michael’s behavior. “Willing to fight anybody, willing to be the backup, willing to do this, willing to do that, and look where he’s put himself.” White feels that Chandler’s attitude and talent are the main reasons that he is where he is today.

Currently, Chandler will be working hard to prepare for Charles Oliveira. The two will go head to head at UFC 262 Main Event for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s vacated title. Previously, Oliveira was victorious over Tony Ferguson at UFC 256 and is also on an eight-fight win streak.

What’s Next for Michael Chandler?

Although he is yet to fight Oliveira and win the lightweight title, Chandler is already looking forward to his next fight. As such, he predicts that he will beat Oliveira and make his first title defense against Conor McGregor.

Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island. ( Credits: Getty Images)

McGregor (22-5) will face Poirier (27-6) in a non-title fight at UFC 264. Their series stands at 1-1 after Poirier beat McGregor in the second bout at UFC 257 on Jan. 23. The winner of the trilogy will a natural title contender. However, former interim champion Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson ( if he wins at UFC 262) are also in the mix.

Of course, Chandler (22-5) has a difficult test ahead of him in Oliveira (30-8) at UFC 262 in Houston. Moreover, Oliveira of Brazil is actually a small favorite to defeat ‘Iron’ Chandler in their vacant title fight.