Michael Chandler believes Justin Gaethje will take the first step backward in their fight at UFC 268.
Chandler and Gaethje are set to throw down on the main card of UFC 268 on November 6 at Madison Square Garden. It’s a very fan-friendly fight, and for Chandler, he believes he will be the one walking down his opponent.
“I think we go out there, we find out who takes the first backwards step, we get into a brawl and we have a blast,” Chandler said to MMAJunkie. “I’m going to come forward, I’m going to get in (Gaethje’s) face, I’m going to take the center of the octagon. I’m ready for violence, I’m ready for bloodshed and I’m ready for action to give the fans at home a phenomenal show. So (Gaethje should) pack a lunch, show up, eat hearty – because we’ve got some work to do.”
Michael Chandler has been known to be a fan-favorite as his fights against Eddie Alvarez were some of the best fights of those years. In his UFC debut, he knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round and then nearly KO’d Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight strap back in May.
Although “Iron” came up short in his last fight, Chandler knows this fight against Gaethje is a tough out. However, he is excited to test his skills and put on a fan-friendly fight.
“All I’ve been trying to do for 13 years is give the fans, fireworks,” Chandler said. “I haven’t had a better opponent for that since Eddie Alvarez, and that was years ago at this point. I’m excited about it. I think Justin Gaethje is a consummate professional and an exciting fighter.”
If Chandler defeats Gaethje at UFC 268 in November, he could very well be in a title eliminator fight as he works his way up the lightweight ranks.
