Daniel Cormier has claimed that Michael Chandler is the Ric Flair of the UFC following his move from Bellator.
Cormier has compared the treatment of Chandler to that of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair following his move from WCW to the WWE in the '90s in Professional Wrestling. Cormier appeared on the "DC and Helwani Show" and made the claim following Helwani's shock that Chandler and Alex Perez were in "EA UFC 4," yet Marvin Vettori and fighter of the year candidate Kevin Holland have been omitted.
"Michael Chandler is, he's Ric Flair. Michael Chandler is Ric Flair. You put Ric Flair in the game dog! When Ric Flair left the WCW for the WWE, what did Vince (McMahon) do? He won the Royal Rumble and put the title right on him." Cormier said. "Mike Chandler is Ric Flair so as Mike is styling and profiling, turning down fights left and right. Big leaguing everyone, it is hilarious but you put Michael Chandler in the game and those guys will come in soon hopefully."
Many pundits and fans alike have been surprised at how the UFC has dealt with Chandler. First, he was offered the back-up spot for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 254. Then, UFC President Dana White said that Chandler wasn't lined up to face anyone on the card and has been reluctant to give any hints as to when we will see him debut in the Octagon.
Chandler will be hoping to be as successful in the UFC as Flair was in WWE following his switch. He will be eager to make his debut as soon as possible in 2021 with the lightweight division being as competitive as it's ever been.
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