Three-time Bellator champion Michael Chandler has officially signed with the UFC and will potentially fight for the 155 lbs title in his first promotional outing.

Confirmed by UFC president Dana White on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Chandler has joined MMA’s premier promotion and will now act as a back-up for UFC 254’s lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Chandler (21-5) saw his long tenure with Bellator come to an end last month as the 34-year old’s contract run out following a KO win over former UFC champion Benson Henderson. Chandler would join Bellator in 2010 and his decade long stint with the promotion saw him become Bellator’s record holder for most wins (18), most title bouts (11), most stoppage victories (13) and the most title reigns.

‘Iron’s’ exciting fighting style has seen Chandler become a fan favourite over his career as 16 of his 21 career victories have come inside the scheduled distance. Chandler’s 2011 win against Eddie Alvarez saw the contest named Fight of The Year.