Category: MMA

Five ranked fighters who could retire from the UFC in 2022

2021 saw the end to some glistening UFC careers. With names such as; Carlos Condit, Paul Felder, Marion Reneau and Joe Benavidez, being just a few to hang up the UFC gloves this year. Let’s look ahead to to some of the currently ranked fighters who we could be seeing inside the octagon for the final time in 2022.

Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar. From MMA News.

Former lightweight champion, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar entered the UFC back in 2007 and it didn’t take long before he started attracting some attention. In 2010 he fought for his first title, where he got a controversial judges decision win over BJ Penn to become lightweight champion and shock the world.

Edgar held on to the belt for two years after eventually losing it to Benson Henderson at UFC 144 and after failing to reclaim the title in a rematch between the two, he made the move down to featherweight. His time in the division saw him fight for both the interim and unified titles, losing on both occasions and also saw him pick up wins against, Charles Oliveira, Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson and a number of others.

Further down the line, “The Answer’s”, 2021 hasn’t gone to plan with both his bantamweight bouts ending in defeat and at the age of 40, it’s fair to anticipate that we may not see the number 11 ranked 135 pounder compete inside the octagon for much longer. Whether 2022 will see the end of his journey or not, with a record of 18-10-1 under the UFC banners, we’ll all remember just how good he’s been in the sport.

Rafael Dos Anjos

Rafael Dos Anjos. From UFC.com.

Another former champion and veteran of the sport in Rafael Dos Anjos. The current number six ranked lightweight has had a terrific career fighting in the UFC. A slower start, in his quest for UFC gold, which saw him wait nearly seven years and compete in 18 fights before getting his shot at gold.

He won the lightweight strap in a classic between himself and Anthony Pettis back in 2015 but could only defend it once before losing it to Eddie Alverez just over a year later. The Brazilian then spent a few years competing at Welterweight, taking on the likes of Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. He finally returned to lightweight at the back-end of 2020 when he beat Paul Felder by UD.

At 37-years-old and still calling out every fighter on the roster, this one is arguably the least likely, but with a lot of inactivity and limited wins over the last few years, we may be witnessing the last of RDA in the UFC.

Holly Holm

Holly Holm. From Forbes.

We’ll never forget when Holly Holm made the impossible possible at UFC 193, when she knocked out Ronda Rousey, handing her a first ever defeat and making her the women’s bantamweight champion. So, to think this could be her final year at the highest level is disappointing.

Holm’s time in the UFC saw her do the unthinkable against Rousey, and fight some of the world’s best, but having not fought since October of 2020, her days may now be numbered. She was scheduled to fight on two occasions this year, against Juliana Pena and Norma Dumont but had to withdraw from both.

Still number seven on the women’s pound-for-pound fighters list, we can certainly still see the 40-year-old bow out in style in 2022. A potential rematch and shot at redemption against former champion, Miesha Tate could be a great spectacle for fans to experience.

Glover Teixeira

Glover Teixeira. From GreaterThanTheGame.org.

It is crazy to think that Glover Teixeira is the light-heavyweight champion of the world, given the obstacles he has had to overcome to get there. Losses to fighters such as; Jon Jones, Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Johnson and Corey Anderson made us think his dreams would never be made a reality, but after going on a fantastic five fight win-streak, he got his second shot at gold.

Fighting for the title at the age of 42 isn’t something you see often, but winning it is even more impressive. A second round submission against Jan Blachowicz saw him become the oldest, first-time champion in UFC history. To think that it may be his final year with the promotion is a sad thought, which is what makes his win at UFC 267 all the more glorious.

The champion is expected to fight in first title defence against Jiri Prochazka sometime in the upcoming year. Whether it is a win or a defeat, we can’t expect to see the Brazilian compete for many more fights.

Stipe Miocic

Stipe Miocic. From UFC.com.

Arguably the greatest heavyweight fighter of all-time, Stipe Miocic, has just four losses in his entire career, most recently at the hands of Francis Ngannou, who won their rematch to become heavyweight king. Beating almost everybody he’s fought, at least once, during his time in the UFC, this one would probably be the most difficult fighter for fans to say goodbye to on the list.

A career that’s seen him get the best of fighters like, Mark Hunt, Fabricio Werdum, Allistair Overeem, Daniel Cormier and Ngannou. The former champion has made it clear that he isn’t finished yet and was openly disappointed by the fact he was not asked to fight for the interim heavyweight title against either Ciryl Gane or Derrick Lewis, but approaching his 40th birthday, he may not have many fights left in him.

It is rumoured that Miocic is very interested in a heavyweight super-fight against Jon Jones but if that fight doesn’t come into fruition then perhaps a final crack at regaining his title could be the perfect way to finish what’s been a fairy tale story in the UFC.

Which ranked fighters do you think we could be seeing for the final time in 2022? Let us know!

Dana White believes Nunes-Peña rematch will be ‘biggest women’s fight of all-time’

Nunes v Pena. From MMAFighting.

UFC President, Dana White has stated that he believes that the inevitable rematch between Amanda Nunes and Juliana Peña will be the biggest fight in women’s MMA history.

At UFC 269, the impossible became possible when title challenger, Juliana Peña beat the GOAT of women’s MMA, Amanda Nunes, via a second round rear-naked choke. Her victory already being regarded as one of the biggest upsets of all-time.

With many wondering whether it was just an off-day for the former two-division champion, we are poised for a rematch of epic proportion in the upcoming 2022 calendar year.

Looking ahead at the rematch, White has since said: “The Peña rematch with Nunes will probably be the biggest women’s fight of all time, that rematch will be the biggest women’s fight of all time. (Right now) it’s Ronda Rousey and Holly. Every way that it could possibly beat it, it will. I don’t think it. I know it. It will crush that fight.”

Holly Holm’s victory over Rousey back in 2015 was the previous benchmark for upsets inside the octagon, when Holm’s brutal head kick won her the women’s bantamweight belt.

Both Nunes and Peña have expressed interest in a rematch and fans of the sport can be expecting this fight sooner rather than later.

With the stakes so high for both of them, there’s every chance this will main event a pay-per-view instead of being put as a co-main – highlighting how much White values this feud and the potential of Julianna Peña vs Amanda Nunes 2 to be.

Can Juliana Peña shock the world once more or will it be business as usual for the ‘Lioness’? Let us know!

Dan Ige ready for ‘Gaethje-Chandler type of war’ at UFC 269

Dan Ige. From MMA Fighting.

Dan “50K” Ige is ready to put on a show in his fight with Josh Emmett at this weekend’s UFC 269, stating that he is expecting a “Gaethje-Chandler type of war” and claims it will be an “insane fight for the fans”.

Ige dropped to just his third loss in the UFC last time out against the Korean Zombie. After the judges awarded the win to Jung back in June, the now number nine ranked featherweight was not sure what would be next for him. But when the fight offer came through for his bout with Emmett, he just couldn’t say no.

“When they called me with the Emmett fight I was surprised. My mind was thinking smaller because I was coming off a loss and I wasn’t sure in my mind how the company thought about me. I figured I would fight someone below me so I was mentally prepared for anyone, even guys outside the rankings,” Ige said on Just Scrap Radio.

“When they called me I was surprised. But, I am stoked for the opportunity because it is another chance to climb the ladder. It’s a great fight stylistically, it’s a fan-friendly fight. We both bring it and we try to finish out guys and we are both tough to put away.”

The Hawaiian is well aware that he and Emmett go into their fight with very similar fighting styles. With both being hard-hitters who are both experienced grapplers but he believes Emmett’s inactivity gives him the edge heading into Saturday’s scrap.

“It’s an MMA fight. I have the tools and he has the tools to take the fight wherever it goes,” Ige explained. “It’s really going to come down to who is the smarter fighter, who has the better footwork and better angles and can land their shots. That is where I believe my vision, my timing, and my activity will be to my advantage.”

You don’t get the nickname “50K” if you don’t know how to put on a show and looking ahead to UFC 269, Ige believes it will be an all-out war, similar to that of Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler. Regardless of the outcome on the night, he is sure he will be the one leaving with his arm raised.

“The dude is super tough. In his last fight, he tore his ACL in the first minute against a hard-hitting Shane Burgos and fought through the entire fight, and won it,” Ige said. “I’m not taking away his toughness, if I go and get a nice knockout like the Gavin Tucker KO, great. It’s not what I prepare for, I prepare for the hardest motherf****r to put away.

“I’m expecting a Gaethje-Chandler type of war. If you are not preparing for that you are going to crumble when it does happen. We are so evenly matched and both can throw heat and wrestle offensively and defensively and we both have the ability to knock each other out. It will be an insane fight for the fans and I’m looking to come out victorious.”

With Emmett ranked ahead of him, Ige knows what a win could mean and what it could mean in the division but he is not looking past this fight.

“I really try not to emphasize that too much. In my last fight, I got caught up thinking about if I beat Zombie I get a title shot or a title eliminator,” Ige concluded. “I have to just focus on this fight, so I’m not looking past this fight. I have a tough guy ahead of me and if I beat him it’s put me at seven. All I know is I’m climbing the ladder.”

You can catch Dan “50K” Ige take on Josh Emmett at UFC 269 on Saturday the 11th. Does Ige live up the nickname once again?

Stipe Miocic Looking for Jon Jones Fight or Ngannou Trilogy

UFC 260.

Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, former UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic expressed his disappointment for not being offered a chance to fight for the interim heavyweight championship.

In March, at UFC 260, Stipe was on the end of a brutal KO finish by Francis Ngannou resulting in him losing his heavyweight belt. After the fight, he made it clear he would be taking the rest of the year off. With that, the UFC then booked an interim heavyweight championship fight between Derrick Lewis and Ciyrl Gane.

The former champ made an appearance on The MMA Hour on Monday, where he explained that he would have “loved to have been asked” if he wanted the fight.

Feeling snubbed, he went on to say, “I feel like I understand what the UFC’s doing, it’s a business, but at the same time I think that I deserved a trilogy fight. I wasn’t even asked for the interim fight. Who knows if I would have taken it but just it would have been nice to be asked. Just toes in the water. I don’t know [if I would have taken it]. We don’t know. It’s over with.”

With the disappointment behind him, Miocic made it clear that he is still hoping for the trilogy against, now champion, Ngannou. With both fighters having a win over the other, it’s understandable why the 39-year-old would like a chance at revenge.

“Listen, I’m used to it,” Miocic said. “It is what it is. It’s business. I get it but at the same time, I feel like I was deserving of a trilogy fight. Everyone else has gotten one but me… “I’ll fight anyone like I always say [but] I really want that trilogy fight. That [title] was mine. I want it back. Definitely get a trilogy [in 2022]. Get my shot back at the title. Get my belt back. Back to normal. Everything’s back to normal.”

If the UFC don’t push for the trilogy then he has also stated he would be more than up for a fight against former light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. Talk of a potential bout begun after the events of UFC 260 and Stipe has made it clear, this does interest him.

“I’m down,” Miocic said about fighting Jones. “I don’t think he wanted it. I don’t know the whole story but I’m down. Then he wants a title shot. I know he’s done well, he’s probably one of the greatest of all time but you’ve still got to wait your order. That’s like me going to light heavyweight and being like I want a shot.”

It’s unclear who we will see the former heavyweight champ fight next but a meeting with the UFC bosses in December could provide us with answers very soon.

Could we see Hasbulla Fight in the UFC?

Hasbulla Magomedov and Abdu Rozik squaring off. Credit: LAD Bible.

A story we never thought we would be seeing. After gaining millions of followers across all of his social media platforms and having a meeting with Dana White in Abu Dhabi, could we seriously see Hasbulla fight in the UFC?

Hasbulla Magomedov rose to fame this year after he was nicknamed the “Mini Khabib”. At UFC 267, the Dagestani, was given a front row seat in Abu Dhabi where he was supporting his friend, Islam Makhachev, who picked up his ninth win in a row against Dan Hooker.

UFC president, Dana White was asked about him and what exactly he was doing there, to which White replied, “I don’t know if he’s going to be fight but we’re definitely going to be doing something with him”.

This reply has left fans questioning what the purpose of their meeting was, with many supporters of the sport speculating that we could see a one-off fight take place between Hasbulla and his nemesis, Abdu Rozik.

The two both went viral after their ‘pre-fight press conference’ video showed the two trash talking and brawling back in May of this year.

Since then the two have regularly gone back and forth online with rumours of a fight in mixed martial arts apparently in the works, but no plans have yet been announced officially. As well as this, Abdu confronted Hasbulla at UFC 267 on Saturday night with the both having to be held back.

Since then, Asxab Tamaev, an MMA fighter who works with Hasbulla has claimed that Dana White is ready to help settle this fight inside the Octagon. Tamaev has posted, what he is claiming to be a DM from White who says, “can we do it somehow?”.

Image: Instagram.

Some fans of the sport have suggested that it would morbid to watch the two fight under official MMA rules, with both of them around three feet and three inches tall, however, there are still many asking for the UFC to get it done.

At this moment in time, it feels unlikely that we will see Hasbulla and Abdu settle their differences inside the octagon, but if you’re willing to believe the rumours then don’t cancel the idea out entiely. We still aren’t sure what went on between the Dana and the Russian in their meeting so expect some sort of news soon.

Five Fighters to Watch from the Cage Warriors Academy Wales

Welsh MMA has grown significantly over the past few years, with several fighters representing the country in MMA’s leading promotion – the UFC. However, almost every one of those fighters made their names in UK-based promotion, Cage Warriors.

After the success of the Cage Warriors Academy Welsh event in Ebbw Vale on Saturday afternoon, here are five fighters that you should watch as they rise through the ranks in their aspirations of MMA glory.

Befan Hall:

Befan Hall. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Starting things off, we have 16-year-old, Befan Hall. Still so young, Befan is certainly someone to keep your eye on. Still only an amateur but progressing with help from Shore MMA gym, the home of UFC bantamweight, Jack Shore, he kept his perfect record intact after beating Cory Bethall in the first fight of the day.

The fight started with Hall immediately pushing for the takedown and getting some effective ground and pound work in early. In the second round he found the finish after yet another terrific takedown and what can only be described as experienced grappling. The heavy punches on the floor were too much for Bethall who saw the referee wave it off with Hall the victor.

It wasn’t just the method of victory that highlights Befan as someone to keep an eye but his grappling and especially his takedowns. Aspirations of reaching UFC gold, keep your eyes on his rise.

Ioan Thomas

Ioan Thomas. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Someone who seemed to be a somewhat fan-favourite on the night was 15-year-old Ioan Thomas. Walking out and receiving thunderous applause, Thomas, who also fights out of Shore MMA, picked up his win inside the cage and did it in impressive style.

His fight began with some heavy pressure from his opponent, Callum Davies, but despite this, Ioan secured the takedown and almost got the job done early with his ground strikes. In the second, he continued to maximise his takedowns and his wrestling and just as he did in the first, almost had the fight stopped with some vicious ground strikes getting through.

It wasn’t until the third and final round that his wrestling proved too good for his opponent and after beating his opponent up for three solid rounds, the ref stopped the fight and the crowd exploded. It became clear after Ioan’s fight that Shore MMA were going to have an impressive night and the levels of wrestling and jiu-jitsu were going to prove too much for most.

Still so young, it’ll be worth seeing how far the Welsh fighter can go.

James Wamsley

James Wamsley. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

A strong contender for finish of the night was 22-year-old James Wamsley. Fighting out of LD Fighters in Exeter, he came into his fight with another perfect record. Wamsley took on Lewis Williams and their scrap did not disappoint. Both guys came out and secured takedowns early.

On the feet, the two traded heavy blows back and forth with both landing, but just 56 seconds into the fight, it was James who landed the knockout blow which sent Williams down to the canvas. A devastating right hook, followed by a McGregor-style strut made this fight/finish a real spectacle for all in attendance.

“As far as that tragic walk off is concerned, I had no idea how to react and apparently that’s what came naturally to me.”

Wamsley remains still new to the sport, having only trained for just over a year and just two fights under his belt but the ferocity and the power is certainly something to keep your eyes on.

Josh Archer

James Archer. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales.

Those in attendance on Saturday were treated to numerous first round finishes and the fourth of the night came from Torquay-based, Josh Archer. Fighting out of Lions Den gym and Fightworx MMA, his fight began with Archer getting his opponent, Elis Westacott (fighting out of Shore MMA), down with a right hand that knocked him off balance.

After some ground strikes and a first submission attempt, Westacott was forced to tap after the second attempt. A rear naked choke which showcased Archer’s impressive work on the ground in his MMA debut.

“I love everything about MMA. The training, the nerves before a fight and the thrill of winning”.

With two Thai Boxing fights also under his wing, his range of martial arts, highlight him as a real prospect and still only 24, the English fighter is becoming a real prospect.

Kenzie Jones

Kenzie Jones. From Cage Warriors Academy Wales Facebook.

Finally, we have 20-year-old Kenzie Jones. Yet another Shore MMA fighter and yet another amazing show of grappling and jiu-jitsu. A current record of 4-0 and a career trajectory that can only go up, Jones picked up another impressive finish to his MMA resumé.

The Welshman began his fight with Kirk Heely, with a big head kick and got the takedown in the early stages. Jones brutally dropped Heely on to his head and after some more quality grappling, he got the submission just a minute and half into the fight. A d’arce choke submission and another win for Team Shore.

Another young fighter with dreams of competing in the UFC, the featherweight amateur will continue to work towards his goals and is someone I advise you keep up to date with.

Ngannou vs. Gane Scheduled for UFC 270 on January 22nd

The UFC has historically begun each new year with a crazy fight card to get fans pumped, and that isn’t going to be changing in 2022. Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane will get their chance to unify the UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 270 according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Ngannou won the belt in March of this year when we brutally KO’d Stipe Miocic in their rematch at UFC 260. Since then, the Cameroonian has made it clear that he is ready for his first title defense towards the backend of the year. However, things did not pan out that way.

Towards the end of July, it was announced that Derrick Lewis would meet Ciryl Gane and fight for the interim heavyweight belt at UFC 265. The fight was a shock to the MMA community, with Ngannou himself describing it as a “slap in the face’”. Despite this, the fight went ahead and Gane came out on top, finishing Lewis in the third round.

After the events of UFC 265, it is now being announced by Brett Okamoto that the former training partners, Ngannou and Gane will be given the chance to unify the belts at UFC 270 in January of 2022.

The two fighters began their training at the MMA Factory in France, under the same coach, Fernand Lopez. It has been a few years since the Predator has trained in France but the two will certainly be used to facing off with one another.

If reports are also to be believed, we could also be seeing Israel Adesanya defend his middleweight belt in a rematch against Robert Whittaker. This could be the first time we have seen Adesanya fight on the same card as Ngannou and would make for a spectacular start for the UFC in 2022.

UFC Vegas 39: Phil Hawes vs Deron Winn  

Hawes v Winn.

If you’re hoping to see finishes at UFC Vegas 39 on Saturday night then prepare yourself for middleweights—Phil Hawes and Deron Winn who will finally have their chance to scrap after their July bout had to be rescheduled due to Winn’s serious injury.

Up-and-comer Phil Hawes (32), began his MMA career in 2014 in the Legacy Fighting Championship after standing out as junior-college champion in Iowa state. He’s had stints on season 23 of the Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series, but took his time to break onto the scene.

With a current record of 11-2, the New Jersey born fighter finds himself making his fourth walk to the octagon, where he currently stands at 3-0 under the UFC lights. Hawes earned himself a first round finish over Jacob Malkoun in his debut and followed it up with two 2021 decision wins over Nassourdine Imavov and Kyle Daukaus. However, don’t be put off by those last two decisions, the middleweight carries serious power in his hands.

Deron Winn (32), born and raised in Liberty, Missouri, is another man with an impressive background in wrestling and will also be known to have a close friendship with Daniel Cormier himself. He holds a record of 7-2, which surprisingly contains no submission wins, given his wrestling credentials, with four of them coming inside the octagon.

The most notable feature of Winn’s is his uncommon 5’5 height, making him one of the shortest middleweights in the UFC. However, this didn’t stop him from getting a debut win against Eric Spicely, as the judges awarded him the unanimous decision and saw him take home the fight of the night.

His great start was not continued unfortunately as he found himself on the end of back-to-back defeats to Darren Stewart and Gerald Meerschaert. After his fight with Meerschaert, Winn tested positive for amphetamines and saw himself on the end of a nine month suspension. Most recently, he took on Antônio Arroyo in December of 2020 and got the job done with another win on the judge’s cards.

Fight Prediction:

With the two 32-year-olds ready to go at it, I’d expect to see Phil Hawes take the centre and work the jab early on. Winn will have to work the legs and do what he can to take the fight to the ground. Hawes will prepare for this and be ready to tee off on his opponent early on.

With both of them having backgrounds in wrestling, don’t be surprised to see this fight contain plenty of clinches and ground work. However, I can see Phil Hawes’ height and power being too much for Winn who will more than likely, look for the KO/TKO victory.

Route to Victory—Phil Hawes

  • Keep a hold of the centre.
  • Take early advantage of his jab.
  • Pick the moments to throw the heavy strikes.

Route to Victory—Deron Winn

  • Work the body/legs.
  • Find the takedown and take advantage of the ground and pound.

Fight Prediction: Phil Hawes via. TKO/KO.

Why Michael Chandler is Destined to Become the UFC Lightweight Champion

Michael Chandler beats Dan Hooker at UFC257.

With his first shot at the UFC Lightweight title coming up on May 15th, against Charles ‘de Bronx’ Oliveira, this is why ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler will walk away with the UFC belt around his waist.

34-year-old Michael Chandler won his first world title at Bellator 58 against MMA veteran and former UFC champion, Eddie Alvarez in November of 2011. His record currently stands at 22 wins in 27 fights, finishing 17 of those wins.

With a natural wrestling style, wicked knockout power and an infectious personality, it’s clear why many people will be rooting for the newcomer to the UFC, “Iron Mike”, with his first title fight under his new employers, just a month away.

The Missouri born star fought for the USA’s second largest mixed martial arts promotion, Bellator, for 10 years, making his debut in September of 2010. Since then, Chandler has gone on to fight 22 times for the promotion and held the lightweight title with them on three different occasions.

Michael Chandler is the Bellator Lightweight Champion. Credit: MMA Junkie.

At 5 foot 8 inches, the lightweight has an unbelievable range to his fighting. His tricky takedown technique, along with his range of submissions and general striking, there’s no doubt that this guy has the ability to finish every opponent he faces.

Looking at the five losses he has on his résumé, both his first and second came via a split decision. However, the other three have all been classed as technical knockouts. So, it’s worth noting that although the nickname ‘iron’ is justified, Chandler does still have some holes to fill in.

It’s fair to say that, for a lightweight fighter, the now number four ranked UFC 155 pounder, has a wide shoulder physique and is heavily muscled but that by no means slows down his striking. You can see that from his 10 wins by KO, his speed, accompanied by his power, are what allow him to finish opponents with his fists.

After spending 10 years fighting for Bellator, fans began demanding that UFC President, Dana White, sign the experienced fighter for his promotion and in September 2020, that’s exactly what happened.

Michael Chandler signs with the UFC. Credit: Sky Sports.

Chandler left his promotion, coming off the back of a victory against former UFC Champion, Benson Henderson, and was now looking to add some bigger names to his hitlist.

After having to wait a while, ‘Iron Mike’ got his wish of fighting one of the top ranked lightweight fighters in his UFC debut, as he would be taking on Dan ‘Hangman’ Hooker at UFC257, alongside fellow lightweights, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.

The event took place on January 23rd with Chandler primed to make his debut as electric predicted. His fight with Hooker acted as the co-main event and it did not disappoint.

He came out the more aggressive and the faster fighter and kept Hooker moving for the opening half of the first round until he was able to connect with a swift left hook and put the ‘Hangman’ down and was then able to finish him with a flurry of ground strikes.

His debut put the rest of the lightweight division on notice and after his victory he called out as many of the top contenders as he could, including; McGregor, Poirier and, now retired, Khabib.

After beating the number six ranked Dan Hooker and after it being made clear that, the presumed challenger for the lightweight belt, Dustin Poirier, was more interested in a trilogy fight against McGregor, it has now been announced the Chandler has a chance to follow in Eddie Alvarez’s footsteps and become the Bellator and UFC Champion.

He will fight Charles Oliveira on May 15th at UFC262, as he challenges for lightweight gold.

Both fighters have a natural wrestling style but with Oliveira coming in as the higher ranked, taller and more experienced fighter, many will have him down as the favourite but after Chandler made it clear we would all see him “at the top” very soon, you can’t argue with his confidence.

Fighting in a sold-out stadium in Texas, and with some top quality fights on this card, the fight is sure to bring fireworks. Will we see ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler lift the UFC Lightweight Championship belt above his head on May 15th?

“See you at the top!”

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