Michael Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) landed arguably the best knockout of his career on Sunday.
The UFC lightweight contender and former Bellator champion brutally knocked out Tony Ferguson (25-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) as part of the UFC 274 main card in Phoenix, Arizona.
After a battle in the first round, the official stoppage came just 17 seconds into the second when the 35-year-old American launched a soccer-like kick down the middle which connected flush with Ferguson.
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The former interim lightweight champion immediately dropped to the canvas.
The victory snaps a two-fight losing streak for Chandler, who was previously defeated by main event fighters Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.
In the moments after the victory, Chandler cut an incredible promo, calling out retired champion Conor McGregor to return to the octagon.
“I’ve got one dude on my mind, Conor McGregor,” he said.
“You’ve gotta come back and fight somebody and I am the most entertaining lightweight on the planet.
“But I want to up the stakes Conor. I want you at your biggest, I want you at your baddest, and I want you at your best.”
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1523146707047170048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
McGregor soon responded on Twitter.
“I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it. 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,” he wrote.
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1523149999441612800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Meanwhile, Ferguson now finds himself at the lowest point of his career.
On the end of four straight losses, including defeats to Gaethje, Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and now Chandler, the 38-year-old’s last win came back in 2019.
https://twitter.com/TheBMartin/status/1523174583230103552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/alexvolkanovski/status/1523145554930577408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/SandhuMMA/status/1523145593966669826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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