Does Michael Chandler Deserve the UFC Title Shot?

Michael Chandler has taken the UFC by storm. The former Bellator MMA champion made a stunning UFC debut which was placed among the best ever UFC debuts by fans and pundits alike. Chandler made his debut on one of the biggest PPV events of this year as the co-main event to Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. 

There were a lot of expectations on Chandler coming into the promotion as he was a multiple-time lightweight champion in Bellator. It was seen as a promotion vs promotion matchup to see if a Bellator MMA champion could compete with elite fighters at 155-pounds in the UFC. ‘Iron’ arguably stole the show at UFC 257 and has not looked back since. 

Read More: Here’s how Tony Ferguson injured his knee before UFC 223 

Will Michael Chandler be able to stop the rampant Charles Oliveira?

The lightweight title was in limbo since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at UFC 254. There was hope among fans that Nurmagomedov would return to fight one last time to make it 30-0. On the other hand, many believed that the ‘The Eagle’ was done. 

This meant that gold in the most talent stacked division in the UFC was up for grabs. Following his win over Tony Ferguson and extending his win streak to 8-0 ‘Do Bronx’ had firmly established himself as a favorite for the title shot. 

After his win over Conor McGregor, most fans and pundits believed that ‘The Diamond’ and ‘Do Bronx’ would fight for the vacant title. However, Poirier chose a rematch against Conor over a title fight against Oliveira, and understandably so. 

This meant that Oliveira needed an opponent for the fight. Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson make up the top 5. Gaethje, as good as he is just lost to Khabib in his last fight. Therefore, an immediate rematch for the title was not the most sensible option. Ferguson was utterly dominated in his last fight and is on a two-fight skid. 

On merit, Chandler might not be the one to fight for a title shot given he has only fought once in the UFC. However, given the current circumstances, Chandler getting the title shot makes absolute sense. 

Do you agree with Chandler getting a title shot? Let us know in the comments below!

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