Justin Gaethje (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It’s being reported that the UFC is close to finalizing a bout between top lightweight contenders, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler.

Ever since Chandler moved to the UFC, there has been speculation about the former Bellator champ fighting Gaethje. Sources have informed ESPN, the UFC’s broadcasting partner, that Gaethje and Chandler have verbally agreed to fight.

The UFC is reportedly hoping to have the two fight at UFC 268, which is expected to take place on November 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Gaethje (22-3) hasn’t competed since October, 2020, when he was submitted by the now-former champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Chandler (28-6) faced Charles Oliveira in May, and was stopped by the current champ in round two.

Currently Gaethje is ranked #2 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings and Chandler is #4.

UFC 268 will also feature welterweight champion Kamaru Usman taking on Colby Covington for a second time. Usman stopped Covington in round five of their 2019 contest.