Former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler could be on his way to the UFC.

Now a free agent, “Iron” has been testing the waters after his knockout victory over ex-UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in August at Bellator 234.

According to ESPN, the UFC are in “advanced talks” to sign Chandler, a NCAA Division I wrestling standout who is yet to set foot in the Octagon.

Not only that, but ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported that Chandler is being eyed up as a potential opponent for Tony Ferguson.

UFC President Dana White announced that the promotion was hoping to book a fight between Ferguson and Dustin Poirier – two former interim UFC lightweight champions. However, the fight was shelved after negotiations with Louisiana native Poirier fell through.

Obviously, there are plenty of hurdles to overcome should a Chandler – Ferguson fight materialise: namely signing Chandler to the UFC to begin with. However, it’s clear that a fight like this would certainly pique the interests of mixed martial arts fans.

In Chandler, the UFC could be adding yet another must-see talent to their stacked lightweight division. Let’s hope all parties can happily agree to terms.