Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler delivered one of the all-time great UFC knockouts at UFC 274, then issued a word-perfect callout of a hat-trick of UFC stars.

Chandler was dropped early by Tony Ferguson in their lightweight main card bout at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona, but ralled well and finished the first round strongly after a huge takedown and some heavy ground and pound.

After a thrilling first round, the arena was bristling with anticipation for how the second round would pan out, but the action would only last a matter of seconds after the restart.

As the pair closed in looking for an opening, Chandler unleashed a massive front kick that instantly knocked out Ferguson, as the Sanford MMA fighter performed a series of celebratory somersaults in front of the open-mouthed crowd.

That crowd included Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann, whose stunning spinning back-elbow knockout at UFC London was the likely clubhouse leader for Knockout of the Year heading into Saturday night’s event.

But Chandler’s spectacular finish may have eclipsed even that incredible finish, with his knockout of Ferguson catapulting him back into the win column in the most spectacular manner imaginable.

Chandler then followed up his explosive victory with a dynamite post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, where he called out Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Conor McGregor.

“I’m ready to come back! The main event – there is not one MMA fan on the planet that doesn’t want to see me rematch you, Charles, or rematch you, Justin Gaethje – a rematch of the Fight of the Year 2021. Five rounds, for the UFC lightweight title!

“And, Joe, if Hunter Campbell and Dana White have a momentary lapse of judgement and they give the title shot to someone else, I’ve got one dude on my mind.

“Conor McGregor, you’ve gotta come back and fight someone! I am the most entertaining lightweight on the planet. But I want to up the stakes, Conor.

“I want you at your biggest, I want you at your baddest, and I want you at your best. You and me, at 170. This summer, this fall, this winter. Holla at your boy. God bless! I’ll see you at the top!”

It didn’t take long for Chandler’s callout to reach McGregor, who responded positively via Twitter.

“I’d have a nice knock off this guy, no doubt about it. A firework spectacle,” he tweeted.

“I like the 170 shout also. Tipped him over. I’m definitely game to fight this guy at some stage in my career. I see it happening after tonight. Congrats on a solid win Michael and another barnstormer.”