UFC world goes nuts over savage first round Michael Chandler KO of Dan Hooker in UFC 257 co-main

Just before Dustin Poirier shocked the world, the UFC erupted for debutant Michael Chandler who dismantled one of the division’s superstars.

Insane KO announces Michael Chandler’s arrival in the UFC.

Before the weekend began, Dana White said Khabib Nurmagomedov would consider coming out of retirement if one of the lightweights in the main event fights could “show me something spectacular and make me want to come back and fight”.

Well, if he wasn’t entertained, he’s impossible to please.

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Before Dustin Poirier stunned the world with an insane second round knockout of Conor McGregor, the new kid on the block showed the hype was real.

Michael Chandler’s long-awaited UFC debut lasted just two and a half minutes as he demolishing New Zealander Dan Hooker.

Hooker was talking up a big win but he was no match for Chandler as the American dominated before taking the Kiwi down with a massive right hand.

Chandler, who was seen as the best fighter not in the UFC, showed fans what they were missing as he left fight world stunned with the brutal TKO.

Referee Marc Goddard had no choice but to end the fight as Chandler went for the kill.

The UFC commentators were stunned by the result.

Michael Chandler made his mark on the division.

The UFC commentators were stunned.

“That’s why you pay the big bucks for Michael Chandler,” Daniel Cormier said. “Dana White backed up the truck to the Chandler household and now you see why. Holy cow.”

Chandler called out pretty much everyone in the UFC lightweight division after the result, with any of the fights looking particularly attractive to Dana White and the UFC.

“I’ve got to get something off my chest, this is the greatest moment in my professional life,” he said. “Conor McGregor, surprise surprise, there’s a new king of the lightweight division. Dustin Poirier, your time is coming. And Khabib, if you ever do see fit to grace us with your presence in the UFC octagon in your quest for 30-0, you’ve got to beat somebody, so beat me if you can. God bless, see you at the top.”

Michael Chandler cut an all-time great promo after securing the impressive stoppage in his UFC debut at #UFC257. pic.twitter.com/nXtTqNO58D

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 24, 2021

Hooker was clearly disappointed as he won’t be able to return home for nearly a month, even throwing his gloves down on the octagon.

The commentators weren’t sure if that was that he was retiring, whether it was a step back in his career or whether he just couldn’t look at his gloves.

Well, Michael Chandler has stolen the show so far. Now it's time for the main event. Can the McGregor-Poirier winner get Khabib's attention? #UFC257

— Gorgeous George (@MMAjunkieGeorge) January 24, 2021

What did Khabib say about needing someone to impress?? Michael Chandler, Wow! #UFC257

— Chris Wingert (@wingert17) January 24, 2021

Sheeeeesh. That’s how you make a statement

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) January 24, 2021

😳 welcome Michael #UFC257

— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) January 24, 2021

Woah Michael chandler is a problem for this division #UFC257

— Tom King (@Tomking1989) January 24, 2021

Michael Chandler just called out the entire lightweight division. Things just got real.

— Chris (@CBengelCBS) January 24, 2021

Iron Michael chandler, good lord 😳😳😳😳 #UFC257

— Terrence Ross (@TerrenceRoss) January 24, 2021

Dude!!!! Michael Chandler looks like a monster.

— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) January 24, 2021

I think Khabib got the message he wanted tonight. From Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler #UFC257

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 24, 2021