One of mixed martial arts' top talents outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship is now inside of it.

UFC president Dana White announced on Thursday the signing of free agent fighter and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler.

Chandler, 34, has been one of Bellator's top stars since debuting for the promotion in 2010, winning the lightweight title on three occasions. The High Ridge, MO native holds wins over the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Benson Henderson and Patricky "Pitbull" Friere.

He last fought at early August at Bellator 243, defeating Henderson for a second time by first-round knockout.

White says that Chandler will be traveling to Abu Dhabi for UFC 254 on Oct. 24 to serve as a backup fighter for the main event in case one of lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov or interim champion Justin Gaethje cannot fight.

An NCAA wrestler at Mizzou, Chandler has amassed a career mark of 21-5