MICHAEL CHANDLER was back in the win column after a brutal knockout of Tony Ferguson, a fan favorite.
El Cucuy, the three-time Bellator lightweight champion, fought with the former champ in the early hours Sunday morning on the main card at a highly rated UFC 274 card in Pheonix (Arizona).
FRONT KICK TO YOUR FACE!
UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc), May 8, 2022
TONY FERGUSON IS OUT OLD!
MICHAELCHANDLER MAYBE THE KNOCKOUT DUDE OF THE YEAR
#UFC274 pic.twitter.com/t3DBr0fW4v
Ferguson, a fan favourite, entered the showdown after three losses to Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira.
He was dealt his fourth loss and could have lost his walking papers in round two of the desert dust up due to a nasty front kick.
Chandler was overcome and said, "What the fans at Home will never feel is when you're down but you have a round such as I just did. It wasn't decisive, and Tony Ferguson showed-up."
"You have to pull something out of your heart. God was faithful."
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Chandler had a great start to his fourth octagon trip, taking the centre of his octagon while remaining light on his feet.
Ferguson checked his double jab attempt, but he was too far off the mark. He then did two lock kicks.
After missing a big left hook, he was soon on the canvas.
Ferguson put Sanford MMA ace Sanford on his backside and used a large left hand to go in for the win.
Chandler was prompted to throw heavy, telegraphed shots after this exchange.
He was determined to make the fight a brawl and he changed the levels beautifully, and grounded it with a power double-leg.
Ferguson was strong and protected his back, landing several trademark elbows from below.
After much posturing and negotiating for position, Chandler was able to get some shots of his own. One of them cut Ferguson just before the horn went.
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As the second round began, Ferguson looked confident.
He was quickly out of consciousness when a front kick that looked perfect landed flush on the jaw and separated him.
