Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Michael Chandler’s delivered one of the greatest knockouts of all-time against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, landing a front face kick that was an equally intoxicating blend of brutality and excitement.
The loss was especially humbling for Ferguson, an icon of the sport who entered the bout stuck in a three-fight losing streak. His spirits were momentarily uplifted after a competitive first round, one where he clipped Chandler in the right eye that, Chandler later admitted, affected his vision.