by Dane McGuire
Former Bellator mainstay and UFC lightweight title contender Michael Chandler got his UFC career back on track at UFC 274. He ended a two fight skid with a headkick knockout of Tony Ferguson early in the second round.
Following the win, which is being called a KO of the Year candidate, Chandler used his post-fight interview to call for a rematch with Justin Gaethje as well as what would surely be a marquee bout opposite former lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
“Conor McGregor, you’ve got to come back and fight somebody. I am the most entertaining lightweight on the planet. But I want to up the stakes, Conor. I want you at your biggest, I want you at your baddest and I want you at your best. You and me at 170 this summer, this fall, this winter. Holler at your boy,” Chandler said.
McGregor has since responded to Chandler, being complimentary of his performance. McGregor posted on social media:
“I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it. A firework spectacle. I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career. I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer,” McGregor stated.
McGregor has been on the mend following a leg injury during his first-round loss to Dustin Poirier at last July’s UFC 264.
Tony Ferguson Medical Update:
Following the brutal head kick loss to Chandler, which UFC President Dana White called one of the most viscous KOs he has ever seen, Ferguson has been released from the hospital.
“Officials announced at the evening’s post-fight press conference that Ferguson was released from the hospital and that his CT (computed tomography) scans were negative following Saturday’s event. CT scans are typically meant to detect any immediate brain damage, which was an obvious concern following Ferguson’s main card loss to Michael Chandler.”
Ferguson has not yet offered public comment regarding what is his fourth consecutive defeat. Ferguson had previously been on a 12-fight victory streak.
CageNation will have more on this story as it develops.