Michael Chandler did not hide his excitement after learning that he will compete on the UFC’s White House card. He called it an honor and said he looks forward to the chance to perform at such a unique event.
UFC Freedom 250 takes place on Jun. 14 at the White House and will feature six fights. This rare Sunday event coincides with President Donald Trump‘s 80th birthday as well as America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The official fight card was unveiled during the UFC 326 broadcast and was received mixed reviews within the MMA community. Despite the reaction, Chandler is looking forward to competing on the South Lawn of the White House.
Chandler, 39, faces surging lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy and will be among the fighters representing America at the event. He was originally linked to a fight with Conor McGregor, but the UFC decided to go in another direction.
Michael Chandler Excited About Competing at UFC’s White House Event
Michael Chandler opened up about his upcoming bout with Mauricio Ruffy on the UFC White House event. He expressed excitement about being given the chance to put on an entertaining show for fans, the President, and the administration.
‘Iron’ has had a long career and built a strong reputation in Bellator, where he was a three-time lightweight champion. He signed with the UFC as a free agent in 2020 and has delivered entertaining fights even in defeat.
While he wanted to face McGregor in their long-awaited bout, competing at the White House was too good to pass up.
“Obviously [facing McGregor] was where I thought we were heading. But at some point, you know, I’ve got to keep [fighting at the White House] the main thing,” Chandler told FOX News Channel’s FOX and Friends. “And [the UFC] said, ‘Hey, do you want to fight at the White House? Would you rather continue to chance?’ And I say, ‘Hey, I’m going to go ahead and fight at the White House.”
He added: “This is more of a sure thing. And I get to be a part of something historic. So here we go.”
Now, Chandler prepares to snap his losing skid on the biggest stage and re-establish himself in a loaded lightweight division.
Chandler Says UFC Fans Can Expect Entertaining Event
Chandler also shares his thoughts on the UFC Freedom 250 card as a whole and said fans can expect an entertaining event.
In addition to ‘Iron,’ the card features Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, and Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje. Chandler noted that the UFC always delivers, particularly with its live event experience.
“It’s going to be a great lineup [of fights]. If you have been to [UFC events], it is the greatest show on the planet. They are an entertainment and hospitality company that throws fight,” Chandler told FOX and Friends. “They are always thinking about the fans and they’re always thinking about the event. And this one just so happens to be on the South Lawn of the White House, which is going to be historic for the UFC and for America’s 250th birthday.”
Michael Chandler Reacts After Being Announced for UFC White House Event