Dana White In No Rush With Michael Chandler’s UFC Debut

UFC President Dana White is being patient when it comes to Michael Chandler’s promotional debut.

Chandler was brought in to serve as a replacement opponent for the UFC 254 main event. The headliner ended up taking place without incident, so all Chandler got to do was weigh-in. Chandler’s next fight hasn’t been booked but he has claimed his fight camp is underway.

During the UFC Vegas 15 post-fight press conference, White discussed the holdup in Chandler’s promotional debut (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“The problem with Michael Chandler right now is he stepped up for that fight and he cut weight, so he can’t turn around as fast as these other guys can right now. We can’t do that to him. So, no hurry, take his time, get his body back together. We’ll get him something soon.”

The UFC is planning to return to Abu Dhabi soon and White says that Chandler will have a fight lined up.

“Once we go back to Abu Dhabi there’s going to be a lot of big fights coming up here, so he’ll be a part of something.”

Chandler had been considered a Bellator mainstay. He is a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. In his last outing under the Bellator banner, Chandler scored a knockout victory over former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson.