It was a competitive first round between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, but the second round ended after just 17 seconds.
Two lightweight fan favorites clashed as part of the UFC 274 main card — in a key fight for both Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson.
Chandler’s arrival in the UFC a year ago, after serving as the face of Bellator MMA for years, had brought with it hopes of a title run. While he did fight for the belt, he fell short against Charles Oliveira, and having lost two straight, was on the brink of falling out of the title picture.
Ferguson’s situation was a little more dire. He’d lost three in a row, and was well removed from the 12-fight win streak and interim title win that had prompted many to see him as a real threat to then-champ Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Ferguson started with his unorthodox style, throwing an elbow from distance that came up short. Chandler landed a few leg kicks but was then knocked down by a left hand. Ferguson looked like his old self, comfortable at distance and landing his left hook. Chandler landed an overhand, but was having trouble with Ferguson’s movement. To take matters into his own hands, Chandler landed a perfect double-leg takedown. Ferguson began working off his back with a slew of elbows and submissions attempts. Chandler fought through and landed a few solid punches, ending the round on top.
What happened at the beginning of the second round was as unexpected as it gets. As Ferguson was moving to his right, Chandler drilled Ferguson with a front kick that knocked him out clean.
Afterwards, Chandler called out the winner of the UFC 274 main event for a rematch, but also asked for a bout with Conor McGregor if the title shot went elsewhere.
Michael Chandler def. Tony Ferguson by KO (Front Kick) in Round 2 (0:17)
