Michael Chandler earned a vicious finish in his long-awaited UFC debut.
The former Bellator lightweight champion stopped Dan Hooker via TKO at 2:30 of the first round in the UFC 257 co-main event Saturday night in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
After his victory, Chandler called out three lightweights, including reigning champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC 257 headliner Conor McGregor.
"Conor McGregor, surprise, surprise, there's a new king in the lightweight division," Chandler said in his postfight interview. "Dustin Poirier, your time is coming. And Khabib, if you ever do see fit to grace us with your presence back here in the UFC Octagon in your quest for 30-0, you have to beat someone, so beat me - if you can."
"SEE YOU AT THE TOP!" #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/LWmkm2b0A7
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
Chandler dropped Hooker with a huge bomb and followed up with ground-and-pound until the referee waved off the contest. Chandler pressured his opponent early in the round until landing the fight-ending blow.
He extended his winning streak to three, while "The Hangman" dropped his second straight bout.
