UFC legend compares Michael Chandler to Tony Ferguson after loss to Charles do Bronx

Victory of Charles of the Bronx about Michael chandler No. UFC 309 resonates. Photo: Instagram / Charles of the Bronx

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After a frustrated two-year wait to share the octagon with Conor McGregor, Michael chandler went ahead and tried to get revenge against Charles of the Bronx. Although he almost won in the fifth round, the American was completely dominated in the previous stages. For former UFC referee John McCarthy, the two years of inactivity cost Chandler dearly.

During an episode of her podcast 'Weighing In', McCarthy criticized Chandler's acting, comparing him to Tony Ferguson, who also has an eight-fight losing streak in the UFC. The former referee believes that, after two years away, the American has not improved as a fighter and, in fact, has gotten worse as an athlete.

"Michael chandler reached the status of Tony Ferguson. Honestly, who is he going to beat? He looked slow at times. You can't look slow in the lightweight division or you're going to die. And he got out-grabbed by a jiu-jitsu guy. Michael chandler was crushed. The two years away showed that not only did Chandler not improve as a fighter, but he declined, and watched his career begin to end,” said the former referee.

Chandler maintains challenge to McGregor

After being overcome by Charles of the Bronx, Chandler, still in the octagon, challenged again Conor McGregor. John McCarthy revealed that he likes Chandler as a person, but questioned the logic of the fighter continuing to request a fight against the Irishman after yet another defeat.

“I like Chandler as a person, and I think he’s great for the sport, but he’s challenging Conor McGregor after losing again, what the hell?! You can't do that!” McCarthy concluded.

Charles, in turn, is focused on regaining the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). The Brazilian is considered the main candidate to face the winner of the fight between Islam makhachev e Arman Tsarukyan, scheduled for the UFC 311 in Los Angeles early next year.