This might just be one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history, never mind a contender for 'KO of the year'.
In the second round of their bout at UFC 274, former Bellator champion Michael Chandler established himself as a serious contender for the lightweight belt when he landed a mega-clean front kick on Tony Ferguson's chin.
‘El Cucuy’, who has now lost four fights in a row, tumbled to the canvas in an unconscious state after the brutal shot, and was later taken to hospital. Just check out this knockout. Joe Rogan's reaction on commentary says it all.
In his post-fight interview, Chandler produced one of the greatest promos in recent memory.
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"I dont know if I saw it in the moment, my body just moved, foot to face and a couple of back-flips," he said. "Sometimes the fights materialise exactly how you want them to and sometimes you stay within your normal box of what you use.
"Sometimes it works and sometimes you throw something you never, ever thought you would land, never mind knock someone out with. It's not something we train; I have the best kickboxing coach on the planet in Henri Hooft but we don't train front kicks."
He added: "The main reason is it hurts my toes so my right foot is a little sore and I'm a big baby when it comes to my feet getting hurt.
"It's tough because ideally that's what I want to do to Tony Ferguson. We're in the business of separating guys from consciousness but Tony Ferguson has been a guy who has helped build the lightweight division.
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"My thoughts and prayers are with him and I'm hoping for a speedy recovery."
Chandler also called out the winner of Charles Oliveira's clash with Justin Gaethje – a fight that Oliveira went on to win via a rear-naked choke in the first round.
The 36-year-old also had words for Conor McGregor, who will likely return to the octagon at some point in 2022.
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"When Conor comes back and he's healthy, I'll be there," added Chandler.
"He left his options open; he said it's a fight he wants down the line. He deserves and has earned the right to decide when he wants to fight, who he wants to fight and where he wants to fight.
"He's a combat sports icon and one of the biggest sports stars on the planet. In typical Conor fashion, he left his options open and he deserves to do that.
"I've never been a guy who has come at Conor, I don't need to disrespect someone or throw pot-shots at them to beat them inside the cage."
It didn't take long for McGregor to respond to Chandler's call-out.
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“I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it,” the Irishman wrote on Twitter. “A firework spectacle. I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career.
"I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer.”
McGregor was on fine form throughout the event. He also reacted to a call-out from Charles Oliviera, but he didn't seem overly keen on a potential clash with the Brazilian.
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"I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight," he said. "I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator. I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100%!
"I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do."
Who should Chandler face next? A bout against McGregor, perhaps?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: UFC, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Joe Rogan
Jack Kenmare