Michael Chandler is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight bout at UFC Freedom 250, and the former Bellator champion is already making it clear he plans to test the Brazilian prospect in Washington on Sunday.
The event is scheduled to take place from the White House in Washington, with Chandler entering the matchup holding a 23-10 professional record, including 2-5 in the UFC. Ruffy comes in at 13-2 overall and 4-1 in the UFC, with his lone promotional setback a submission loss to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC Fight Night 258.
Chandler described the kind of pressure he intends to bring, saying, "I'm a nonstop, in-your-face-grinder-type-of-guy," and emphasized the contrast in styles between the two lightweights. "I've earned every single thing and fought for every single thing that I've done in this sport, and that's not to take anything away from him. I just think we have two different styles. I'm a hammer that's looking for a nail, and he is a guy who is... he's sometimes looking like he's playing a video game out there."
The veteran lightweight, who is currently on a three-fight skid against Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Paddy Pimblett, pointed to his resume as proof of what Ruffy will be dealing with. "I've fought nothing but top of the crop in the UFC. You talk about some of these guys that have been champions, interim champions, fought for championships, they were able to withstand a lot of that so, we'll see how Ruffy does. Does he sink or does he swim?"
