Michael Chandler describes why Tony Ferguson is a “tougher puzzle to solve” than Conor McGregor
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler described why rival Tony Ferguson is a “tougher puzzle to solve” than former champ Conor McGregor.
The former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, Chandler joined the UFC last year and kicked off his career in the Octagon with a bang as he knocked out Dan Hooker on Fight Island. That earned Chandler a vacant title shot against Charles Oliveira, though he ultimately ended up losing via knockout. To end the year, Chandler lost a decision to Justin Gaethje in a “Fight of the Year” contender. Despite going 1-2 in his rookie UFC season, Chandler is clearly one of the top lightweights on the UFC roster, and he will definitely get a big-name fight in his next matchup. One of those opponents could be Ferguson.
Another potential opponent could be McGregor, but as far as Chandler goes, the tougher fight is against “El Cucuy.” Speaking to Brendan Schaub on “Food Truck Diaries,” Chandler praised Ferguson, explaining why he feels like Ferguson is a tougher fight than McGregor at this point in their careers.
“I think Tony might be a tougher puzzle to solve just because inside, he’s less predictable. Not that Conor is predictable – he’s a phenomenal athlete. But what you see with Conor is a lot of times what you get, and it’s a hard puzzle to solve, but once (you do) it’s much more predictable. I think Tony just brings that little bit of uncertainty at all times. Plus, his cardio never slows down,” Chandler said (h/t MMAjunkie.com).
As far as who should get the next lightweight title shot, Chandler thinks they are all in the same boat.
“To get to the title shot, I don’t know. I think they’re both kind of similar,” Chandler said. “Obviously, you’ve got Conor coming back and you’ve got Tony, who’s got a couple of losses. But I have a couple of losses. Everybody’s got losses in the UFC.”
Do you agree with Michael Chandler that Tony Ferguson is “a tougher puzzle to solve” than Conor McGregor?
