Dana White: UFC in 'no hurry' to book Michael Chandler's first fight, hints at 'Fight Island' debut
LAS VEGAS – Michael Chandler may not have his UFC debut booked just yet, but there’s no reason to worry, according to UFC president Dana White.
The UFC lightweight division is the subject of much speculation and excitement following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement announcement after UFC 254 in October, and a pair of big-time lightweight matchups have already been booked, with Tony Ferguson set to face Charles Oliveira before Dustin Poirier rematches Conor McGregor.
The fact that Chandler (21-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who was drafted in as a backup for Nurmagomedov’s win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, hasn’t yet been booked for his octagon debut has raised question marks over who he’ll face, and when. But when speaking to reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage at the UFC Apex after UFC on ESPN 18, White explained that the UFC was simply making sure the former Bellator champion arrived for his debut at 100 percent.
“The problem with Michael Chandler right now is he stepped up for that fight and he cut weight, so he can’t turn around as fast as these other guys can right now. We can’t do that to him,” he said. “So, no hurry, take his time, get his body back together. We’ll get him something soon.”
While White wouldn’t be drawn on identity of Chandler’s debut opponent, he did hint that the new arrival may make his debut when the UFC returns to “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi early in 2021.
“Once we go back to Abu Dhabi there’s going to be a lot of big fights coming up here, so he’ll be a part of something,” he stated.
