Michael Chandler’s long-awaited move to the UFC has finally come to fruition. The former Bellator champion has signed with the promotion.
UFC president Dana White announced the news Thursday, and Chandler’s already been designated to serve as the backup fighter for the lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October.
The news produced much excitement in the MMA world. For the top Twitter reactions, check below.
John McCarthy
Congratulations to both @MikeChandlerMMA and the @ufc on the signing. Only the best in thoughts and good wishes to you Mike. Your were always a great competitor and classy representative for @BellatorMMA I hope your run in the UFC is just as successful
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) September 17, 2020
Gilbert Burns
Just a simple thought, don’t blame or get mad with Chandler to take this opportunity to sign with the ufc and be a back up in a title fight! He is a work horse always ready! Opportunity shows up he said YES! Like everyone that’s complaining would do the same! +💭
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) September 17, 2020
Patricio Freire
So @BellatorMMA fighters aren’t good, but a former champion whom I beat gets signed by the @UFC and is an immediate backup for a title fight. Interesting.
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) September 17, 2020
Some things never change: people not comprehending the meaning of a tweet, people tweeting shit they’d never have the guts to say to my face, people confusing me for my brother and/or trying to attack me through him, and people saying we’d never beat top UFC fighters. pic.twitter.com/UB3wKGronx
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) September 17, 2020
Every fighter should follow the path they’re happy with. I’m not criticizing anyone’s choices. I’m just pointing out another proof that there’s value outside the UFC even though many people only talk shit about it. If there’re people who still don’t get it, I can draw for you.
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) September 17, 2020
Jon Anik
Congrats to one of the game’s best people and fighters, @MikeChandlerMMA, on the UFC contract! This guy brings so much to the table in and out of the cage and I’m just wicked pumped at the idea of him challenging himself against the UFC’s best 155-pounders. LFG! https://t.co/HKZOoWMS9P
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) September 17, 2020
Caposa
Let’s not get distracted by the shiny object (Chandler) and keep our eyes on the real fight. Pay these guys accordingly and give us that 5 round classic. https://t.co/GSP1vmTkKy
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) September 17, 2020
Rizvan Magomedov
Great fighter. But do not expect much. Chandler with USADA is not the same fighter. We all saw Will Brooks in UFC 😀 https://t.co/zTDtidamFW
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) September 17, 2020
John Gooden
Super excited to see Chandler in the Octagon 👏🏼
— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) September 17, 2020
Jared Gordon
Will Brooks
Now I’m extra thirsty to get back.
Trilogy in the UFC?
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) September 17, 2020
Original article: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/michael-chandler-signs-with-ufc-twitter-reaction