Former Bellator champion Michael Chandler signs with UFC

Michael Chandler

Micheal Chandler has signed with UFC where he will serve as back-up for Khabib Nurmagomedov's fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 245.

UFC president Dana White announced on ESPN's SportCentre that Chandler has officially signed with the promotion and will be on standby for the clash between lightweight champion Nurmagomedov and interim champ Gaethje on October 24.

Regarded as one of the best lightweights outside UFC, Chandler became a free agent after his knockout win over Benson Henderson at Bellator 243 in August.

The 34-year old joined Bellator back in 2010 and spent nearly 10 years with the promotion, successfully defending Bellator's light-weight title six times across three separate reigns. Chandler holds notable wins over Henderson, Eddie Alvarez and Patricky Freire.

After his convincing win over Henderson, Chandler called out Conor McGregor and made the claim that he could beat the former UFC champion in under two rounds.

"As far as that fight goes, I finish Conor in under two (rounds) in my opinion. It would be similar to shades of (Nate) Diaz 1, wear him down, hit him with hard shots, take every single one of his shots. สูตรแทงบอลกำไรดี

"He's got that sneaky strong, thick and hard left hand that he throws and it's straight. Avoid that, wear him down a little bit, make him see Jesus, just put him out."