Michael Chandler has signed with the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t find Meerschaerd up to standard

Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has signed with the UFC, and while he doesn’t have a fight yet, his first could be epic.

UFC president Dana White on Thursday said on “SportsCenter” on UFC broadcast partner ESPN that Chandler is now in the UFC and that he will serve as a backup and potential replacement for the UFC 254 main event between lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champ Justin Gaethje.

UFC 254 takes place Oct. 24 at “Fight Island” on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, White confirmed. The main card will air on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

After his signing was announced, Chandler told ESPN: “Eventually hard work pays off. You just have to still be standing there when it does. I’m humbled by the opportunity and can’t wait to go prove what I have been saying for the past year: that I’m the best lightweight in the world.”

Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t find Gerald Meerschaerd up to the standard of being a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Chimaev questioned Meerschaert about his jiu-jitsu credentials in a heated dispute during Thursday’s UFC on ESPN+ 36 news conference ahead of their middleweight clash Saturday night at the UFC Apex.

This isn’t the first time the two have disputed in the lead-up to their bout, as they had a brief run-in earlier this week at the host hotel. It all started with Meerschaert taking offense to Chimaev looking past him and planning bouts for the near future, banking on getting another victory this Saturday.

UFC on ESPN+ 36, which takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex, is headlined by a highly anticipated grudge match between Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley, but those two men were kept away from each other.

Instead, Donald Cerrone, Niko Price, Khamzat Chimaev, Gerald Meerschaert, Ryan Spann, and Johnny Walker all were on hand. Afterward, the opponents squared off from each other for the first time.

(UFC) Welterweight scrappers Donald Cerrone and Niko Price will throw down this weekend at UFC Vegas 11 inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cerrone’s current four-fight losing streak isn’t a good thing, but perhaps the situation isn’t as desperate as one would first assume. The first three losses came to absolutely elite competition, Lightweights currently in the title mix. Anthony Pettis may not quite meet that mark anymore, but “Showtime” is still dangerous, and “Cowboy” arguably deserved the nod.

Long story short: Cerrone ain’t dead yet.

Alternatively, Price is still on his way up. “The Hybrid” hasn’t yet found consistent success against Top 15 opposition, but he’s always dangerous of ending the bout in an instant, which has certainly built him a fan base.

UFC champ Israel Adesanya signs Puma sponsorship deal

Israel Adesanya has a new sponsor.

It was announced Thursday that Adesanya, the UFC middleweight champion, signed a sponsorship deal with Puma – one of the world’s leading athletic apparel brands. Adesanya becomes the first MMA fighter to be an ambassador for Puma.

Pancho Gutstein, general manager of Puma Oceania, said the company is thrilled to partner with the undefeated champ.

“We’re ecstatic to be welcoming one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed athletes to the Puma family,” Gutstein said in a statement.”Not only is Israel a fearless and incredibly talented athlete, but his passion for dancing, fashion, anime, and his memorable personality makes him a standout individual to represent the brand.”

The announcement comes as Adesanya prepares for his second UFC middleweight title defense against dangerous unbeaten striker Paulo Costa. The middleweight clash is set to headline UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 26.

Here is a video of Adesanya announcing the partnership (via Twitter):