Michael Chandler will do ‘big things’ in UFC, say teammates Aung La N Sang, Martin Nguyen
- ONE Championship title-holders backing former Bellator champ to shine after their Sanford MMA teammate moves to UFC
- Aung La says Chandler would ‘do great’ vs Khabib or Justin Gaethje if either falls out of UFC 254 main event
Michael Chandler’s long-awaited move to the UFC is finally a reality, and his Sanford MMA teammates Aung La N Sang and Martin Nguyen think he’s destined for big things.
The 34-year-old American (21-5), a former two-time lightweight champ with Bellator, entered free agency last month after signing off a 10-year spell in the promotion with an impressive first-round KO of former UFC champ Benson Henderson. Dana White was more than happy to snap Chandler up, saying he had “earned” the opportunity.
“It’s amazing, I think it’s great for the fact MMA is more than just the UFC or Bellator,” ONE middleweight and light heavyweight champ N Sang told SCMP MMA. “And I like that how the competitors can move promotion to promotion, so for him this is great.
“He is nearing towards the end of his career as well, but I know he’s got a lot to show. In camp there’s been no difference – all the hype in the media, regardless of that, we still work hard. Nothing changes within the gym. But it’s amazing for Michael Chandler.”
Chandler is diving straight into the deep end of the 155-pound division and will act as backup for the huge UFC 254 main event on Fight Island between lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) and interim champ Justin Gaethje (22-2) next month.
“His style, and if you watch any of Chandler’s fights, he shines when there’s a lot of pressure, he shines when the lights are on,” N Sang said. “If he did end up competing against one of them I think he’ll do great.