Michael Chandler is confident he would overwhelm Tony Ferguson if they fight in the near future, despite acknowledging that the former interim champ is a dangerous campaigner.
Despite dropping two in a row against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 and Justin Gaethje and UFC 268, Chandler has proved that he can go toe-to-toe with the UFC’s top lightweights, and is eyeing another banger with one of the most exciting fighters in the promotion in Ferguson, who is currently riding a three-fight losing streak and is looking to bounce back into title contention.
Michael Chandler On Tony Ferguson
Speaking to CBS Sports (as transcribed by MMA Junkie), Chandler said that he’s excited about fighting Ferguson, although he believes he will be a step ahead of ‘El Cucuy’ no matter where the fight goes.
“I think my biggest advantage, I think I’m just basic and I’m going to keep a high pace … we know Tony can keep a high pace, but I think it’s going to be a little bit sharper,” Chandler said. “I think my power is going to be a lot for him. I think I’m going to have a speed advantage and an athleticism advantage. I think I’m good in all the areas that Tony is good at. I think he’s got very slick jiu-jitsu.
“I have yet to ever be caught in a submission, so I don’t see Tony catching me in anything like that. But he is very dangerous on the ground. I think his biggest attribute, his biggest strength and the thing that people fear the most is he’s got a little bit of a screw loose. That’s what excites everybody about these matchups. You never know what you’re going to get whenever Tony steps into the Octagon.”
According to Ariel Helwani, a fight between Chandler and Ferguson is being targeted for UFC 274, although nothing is official yet.
Who do you think will win the high-octane lightweight fight between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson?
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