Makhachev suggests Chandler prove himself. UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has divulged the steps that Michael Chandler must do to take his place among the fighters competing for the championship.
At UFC 280 on October 22, Makhachev will compete against Charles Oliveira for the unclaimed lightweight championship. After a winning run of ten fights, the most recent of which were victories over Bobby Green and Dan Hooker, he was allowed to challenge for the championship.
Makhachev Disapproves of Chandler’s Octagon Performance
Makhachev has not been pleased with Chandler’s performance in the Octagon, despite the recent viral knockout of Tony Ferguson that Chandler scored at UFC 274. Makhachev was the previous Bellator champion.
Chandler competed against Oliveira at UFC 262 for the vacant championship. But was knocked out by a technical knockout in the second round of the fight. This was just Chandler’s second fight since joining the UFC.
Makhachev is getting ready for the most important fight of his career, and he has a plan for how Chandler may grab Oliveira’s attention if Makhachev is victorious in his forthcoming championship battle against Chandler.
Islam Makhachev Challenges Michael Chandler
A recent tweet from Makhachev gave some words of wisdom to Chandler. In that tweet, he suggested that he take his time and work his way back to another chance to compete in the tournament.
Makhachev held the view that Chandler’s assertions that he was entitled to the title were ridiculous. “Got stopped in the title battle, but then overcame old Tony, who was winless in his previous five,” said the announcer.
Fight younger, more enthusiastic guys like Tsarukyan or Dober first, and we will determine how good of a fighter you truly are based on the results of those matches. At UFC 281, which will take place on November 12, Chandler’s adversary will be Dustin Poirier.
He has previously been a challenger for the crown. If he were to win, it would put him in a position to challenge whoever emerges victorious from the match between Oliveira and Makhachev for the next lightweight title.
The rejection of Chandler’s accomplishments by Makhachev comes only a few short months after he agreed to fight Chandler for the empty title after receiving a proposition from Chandler to do so.
Finishing Up This Discussion
Chandler had asked Makhachev to fight him for the vacant belt. In the end, the Ultimate Fighting Championship booked him for a bout in Abu Dhabi versus Oliveira.
As a result of the earlier words made by Chandler, Makhachev may probably be reluctant to award him the next championship opportunity. It may happen if he ends up winning the lightweight title and becomes champion.
This is because Chandler made such statements. On the other side, if Chandler has a good showing at UFC 281, he may rapidly change his mind about carrying on with the fight.
