Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje verbally agree to UFC 268 bout on Nov. 6

Fireworks are all but guaranteed now at UFC 268.

Former UFC title challengers Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje have verbally agreed to fight at the Nov. 6 pay-per-view. The event has no official location but is being targeted for Madison Square Garden in New York.

MMA Junkie confirmed the agreement with a person close to the situation after UFC broadcast partner ESPN first reported the news Friday.

Chandler (22-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is a matchup that’s been talked about ever since the former Bellator champion signed with the UFC last year. They recently engaged in a back-and-forth after Chandler accused Gaethje of ducking him.

Chandler returns to the octagon after coming up short against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight in May at UFC 262. Chandler had a successful first round before getting knocked out in the early going of Round 2. Chandler earned his title shot on the heels of a first-round TKO win over Dan Hooker in his promotional debut this past January at UFC 257.

Gaethje hasn’t competed since losing a title fight to then-champion Khabib Nurmagomadov last October at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. Gaethje was submitted by Nurmagomedov in the second round of their fight. Prior to the defeat, the Gaethje was on four-fight wining streak, all by knockout.

The current UFC 268 lineup includes:

• Champ Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington – for welterweight title
• Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje