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https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc...nsideration-for-ufc-fight-with-tony-ferguson/
So since Poirier has taken a leaf out of Masvidals book and decided to hold out for more money, it appears as if El-Cucuy will be fighting Michael Chandler, probably as the co-main to Khabib vs Justin. Therefore, here's a take on how Michael will do against the top 155ers in the UFC:
T-Ferg: Chandler will have the ability to take Ferguson down at will with an NCAA division wrestling background, as well as having pretty good submission defence, meaning that it is unlikely he will be caught in a triangle like Kevin lee, and decent cardio for 5 rounds. Whether he can keep the pace with El-Cucuy is another question but Chandler definitely has a chance in this fight, especially if he's able to lay heavy GNP given that we don't know where Tony's chin is at post-Gaethje. Still, Chandler has a weird tendency of occasionally trying to strike for a bit too long, and whilst his boxing is decent, it does allow him to be caught (see Patricio Pitbull fight). Standing with Ferguson could be dangerous as Chandler doesn't have the striking ability or power of Gaethje, so could easily be cut up. Therefore, I think Ferguson wins 55% of the time
Khabib: Chandler said on JRE that he is the worst stylistic matchup for Khabib. I actually think Chandler won't be able to catch Khabib as easily as saying Benson given Khabibs striking defence and the fact that a lot of Chandlers KO's have come from catching guys who fear the TD (which Khabib won't at least initially). Chandler will be the best grappler Khabibs faced and definitely has the ability to defend TD's, but I think Khabibs pressure and Sambo-freestyle hybrid could wear him down. I think Khabib wins 60% of the time.
Poirier: Probably the best stylistic matchup since Poiriers TDD isnt great. I don't think Chandler could catch Poirier with an overhand right since Poirier doesn't really defend TD's and as mentioned above, if Chandler stands with Dustin, it could present problems since Chandler has not dealt with a guy who has Poirier's combo punching and volume. I think this is a 50:50 fight.
Gaethje: Worst style matchup. Old Gaethje could have been competitive, but new Gaethjes movement, TDD, power, calf kicks will IMO break Chandler and will most likely KO him within 3 rds. Gaethjes cardio is also insane meaning Chandler cant weigh him down. I think Gaethje wins 75% of the time, purely because Gaethje has shown the ability to throw fights.
Conor: This could go like the Khabib fight, but more likely looks like the Alvarez with Chandler finding it difficult to shoot on and TD Conor, and will be countered brutally in the standup. Chandlers chin will not hold up to Conor's left hand. I think Conor wins 65% of the time.
Opinions Sherbros?
So since Poirier has taken a leaf out of Masvidals book and decided to hold out for more money, it appears as if El-Cucuy will be fighting Michael Chandler, probably as the co-main to Khabib vs Justin. Therefore, here's a take on how Michael will do against the top 155ers in the UFC:
T-Ferg: Chandler will have the ability to take Ferguson down at will with an NCAA division wrestling background, as well as having pretty good submission defence, meaning that it is unlikely he will be caught in a triangle like Kevin lee, and decent cardio for 5 rounds. Whether he can keep the pace with El-Cucuy is another question but Chandler definitely has a chance in this fight, especially if he's able to lay heavy GNP given that we don't know where Tony's chin is at post-Gaethje. Still, Chandler has a weird tendency of occasionally trying to strike for a bit too long, and whilst his boxing is decent, it does allow him to be caught (see Patricio Pitbull fight). Standing with Ferguson could be dangerous as Chandler doesn't have the striking ability or power of Gaethje, so could easily be cut up. Therefore, I think Ferguson wins 55% of the time
Khabib: Chandler said on JRE that he is the worst stylistic matchup for Khabib. I actually think Chandler won't be able to catch Khabib as easily as saying Benson given Khabibs striking defence and the fact that a lot of Chandlers KO's have come from catching guys who fear the TD (which Khabib won't at least initially). Chandler will be the best grappler Khabibs faced and definitely has the ability to defend TD's, but I think Khabibs pressure and Sambo-freestyle hybrid could wear him down. I think Khabib wins 60% of the time.
Poirier: Probably the best stylistic matchup since Poiriers TDD isnt great. I don't think Chandler could catch Poirier with an overhand right since Poirier doesn't really defend TD's and as mentioned above, if Chandler stands with Dustin, it could present problems since Chandler has not dealt with a guy who has Poirier's combo punching and volume. I think this is a 50:50 fight.
Gaethje: Worst style matchup. Old Gaethje could have been competitive, but new Gaethjes movement, TDD, power, calf kicks will IMO break Chandler and will most likely KO him within 3 rds. Gaethjes cardio is also insane meaning Chandler cant weigh him down. I think Gaethje wins 75% of the time, purely because Gaethje has shown the ability to throw fights.
Conor: This could go like the Khabib fight, but more likely looks like the Alvarez with Chandler finding it difficult to shoot on and TD Conor, and will be countered brutally in the standup. Chandlers chin will not hold up to Conor's left hand. I think Conor wins 65% of the time.
Opinions Sherbros?
