Michael Chandler tells Tony Ferguson to “pray for a merciful ref” in potential lightweight fight
One of the top contenders at 155lbs, Michael Chandler told vet Tony Ferguson to “pray for a merciful ref” in a potential lightweight fight.
Chandler had a fantastic first year in the UFC in 2021. He kicked off the year with a KO win over Dan Hooker at UFC 257 in January, then lost to Charles Oliveira in a failed bid for the lightweight title at UFC 262 in May. After that, Chandler fought Justin Gaethje to a unanimous decision loss in a “Fight of the Year” candidate at UFC 268 in November. Although he went 1-2, he won two bonuses in those three fights, and he became a fan favorite after coming over from Bellator MMA.
Chandler’s next fight hasn’t been booked yet, but with the calendar turning over to 2022, it seems likely that he will get his next assignment lined up in the next little while, and it seems likely he will get a top-10 ranked opponent. One such opponent is Ferguson, who is coming off of three straight losses himself. But while Ferguson has struggled lately, he is still one of the biggest names in the division, and he represents a credible opponent for Chandler’s next fight.
Taking to social media, Ferguson called out Chandler for an upcoming lightweight fight. “Iron” hinted at his interest in the matchup while warning “El Cucuy” to “pray for a merciful ref.”
Oh Tony. There’s only a handful of guys in this game I truly respect…you’re one of them. Only because of your tenure, not your stature or your current presence in the division. I’ll beat you from bell to bell. Pray for a merciful ref. We shall see if this fight happens.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 1, 2022
Tony Ferguson: There’s My Bitch!!! @MikeChandlerMMA The Brass @danawhite @ufc Relayed Your Message Saying You Would Be Ready For Me April/June. Looks Like Your Trying To Delay That Ass-Whoopin’ I Owe Ya For Cutting In Line Kid- It’s Wrestling Season MF, Man Up- Champ
Michael Chandler: Oh Tony. There’s only a handful of guys in this game I truly respect…you’re one of them. Only because of your tenure, not your stature or your current presence in the division. I’ll beat you from bell to bell. Pray for a merciful ref. We shall see if this fight happens.
We will see if the UFC matchmakers decide to book this fight next or go in a different direction.
Do you want to see Michael Chandler fight Tony Ferguson next, and who do you think would win this potential lightweight fight?
