Michael Chandler announced his arrival to the UFC in stunning fashion with a first round TKO win over Dan Hooker in his debut inside the Octagon at UFC 257.
The three-time Bellator champion has been waiting a long time for his UFC bow and after making the trip to 'Fight Island' as a stand-by opponent for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje in October, he had the dream start tonight in the co-main event at the Etihad Arena.
Chandler put New Zealand fighter Hooker away early doors in the opening round after a brutal right hand to the body and a devastating left hook to the jaw, completing the sequence with a barrage of punches on the ground and pound that brought the stoppage.
"Conor McGregor, surprise, surprise, there's a new King in the lightweight division."
- UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) January 24, 2021
"Khabib...beat me if you can!"
Call your shot @MikeChandlerMMA! One of the greatest debuts in UFC history! :raised_hands:
Click here to buy #UFC257 :arrow_right: https://t.co/z8cH3CwHdF pic.twitter.com/yJy7TFdwqB
On top of the :earth_americas:. #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/1IkCA9D6Nh
- UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 24, 2021
Following up the finish with a beautiful backflip off the cage, Chandler then called out main event fighters Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier as well as lightweight champion Khabib in his post-fight interview.
'Iron' Michael Chandler has well and truly put the lightweight division on notice.
Topics: UFC News, MMA News, Michael Chandler, UFC, MMA
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