UFC ‘targeting lightweight clash between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler as Americans verbally agree to fight at UFC 268’ with pair vying to prime themselves for a shot at Charles Oliveira’s title
- Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler have verbally agreed to fight at UFC 268
- The lightweight pair are looking to bounce back from defeats last time out
- The Americans were due to meet at UFC 262, but Chandler got the title shot
- Gaethje and Chandler have exchanged verbals on social media in recent weeks
- The duo will feature on card headlined by Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington
The UFC are targeting a lightweight clash between contenders Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, with the duo reportedly agreeing to meet at UFC 268.
The American pair were intended to meet at UFC 262, before Chandler was afforded a shot at the vacant lightweight title against Charles Oliveira – much to Gaethje’s displeasure.
Chandler, 35, went onto lose in his tilt for UFC gold, with Oliveira securing a stunning second round knockout to be crowned 155-pound champion, and ESPN reports that Chandler and Gaethje have agreed to meet in November.
Justin Gaethje (L) and Michael Chandler (R) have reportedly agreed to meet at UFC 268
Chandler, 35, lost in his title fight with Charles Oliveira, a shot that disappointed Gaethje
Gaethje, 32, was most recently in action last October, where he was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in their lightweight title fight at UFC 254.
The Highlight has bided his time since that chastening defeat as the pieces of the lightweight division have shuffled following Nurmagomedov’s retirement from the sport.
Oliveira is expected to make his first title defence against Dustin Poirier, with the Diamond enjoying a superb year having defeated Conor McGregor twice.
Gaethje last fought in October, when he lost to the all-conquering Khabib Nurmagomedov
Oliveira now holds the lightweight title and the Americans are vying for a shot at the belt
A win for Chandler or Gaethje at UFC 268 will put the victor in prime position for a shot at the champion following Oliveira v Poirier.
The American rivals have exchanged verbals on social media in recent weeks, with Gaethje firing back at Chandler after being accused of ‘ducking’ him ‘three or four times’.
‘[Michael Chandler] is talking out of his ass,’ Gaethje posted on Twitter. ‘I was waiting for the bout agreement 3 weeks into camp and wake up to news his daddy Dana gave him the shot.
UFC 268 is set to be headlined by welterweights Kamaru Usman (R) and Colby Covington (L)
‘He’s been out of commission since the KO. What am I missing? I’m on vacay and this f***er is slandering my name. 3-4 times?’
Gaethje, ranked No 2 in the UFC lightweight rankings, and No.4-ranked Chandler will settle their differences in the Octagon on a night where fireworks are expected in the Big Apple.
Earlier this week, Colby Covington confirmed he would face arch rival Kamaru Usman in a grudge rematch for the welterweight title at UFC 268, set to take place at Madison Square Garden on November 6.
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