Michael Chandler has made it clear that he believes he has what it takes to hand Khabib Nurmagomedov a defeat. But since the lightweight stars compete in separate organizations, the chances of them ever fighting are slim to none right? Or are they?
Since Chandler has long been regarded now as one of the best 155’ers on the planet, there’s always been talk about how he’d do, if he signed with the UFC. That speculation recently spiked, as a result of Chandler’s free agency, but ultimately the former champ signed a new deal with Bellator.
Well, recently Chandler spoke with MMA Junkie Radio, and the powerful wrestler reported he’s heard from others, that they too, believe, he’s the man to defeat Khabib. But what about the fact they fight in separate promotions? And that Chandler recently signed a new, multi-fight deal with Bellator?
While discussing that angle, Chandler said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):
“Let’s keep this in perspective,” Chandler said. “Yes, I did sign with Bellator, but it was not a lifetime deal. It wasn’t a 10-fight deal. It wasn’t even an eight-fight deal. It will not carry me to the end of my career. There will be more contracts being signed.
“I am still a young fighter. I’m 32, but I feel like I’m 22. So therefore, I can’t imagine declining in skill to where there’s not going to be great opportunities for some ridiculously good matchups. Not to mention, Khabib is getting offered $2 million by 50 Cent, not to mention the fact that Bellator’s roster is ever-evolving.”
Now, chances are Nurmagomedov won’t be moving to Bellator anytime soon, as a result of 50 Cent’s offer, or any other. He’s under contract with the UFC, and there’s no way the promotion would let its lightweight champ, and one of the biggest names in the game, walk away at this juncture.
But, it is interesting to hear that Chandler’s deal is for less than eight fights. So, it’s conceivable that he could return to free agency within, say, a three year time frame. So, from that perspective, sure, it’s possible that he and Khabib could be in the same organization before they hang em’ up.
But, there has been reports, before and since UFC 229, that Khabib doesn’t plan to fight that much longer. So, if those report are accurate, then we likely won’t see these two stars battle.
Khabib aside, Chandler is booked to face current Bellator champ, Brent Primus, December 14th. The latter ended Chandler’s reign as champ last June, as Chandler incurred an ankle injury early on into the bout and the fight was stopped.
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