Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, has made sweeping assertions about Michael Chandler and his octagon career.
At the recently finished UFC 285 event, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Makhachev was present. The Dagestani athlete conducted a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for BT Sport during the event. Makhachev asserted in the interview that Chandler deliberately lost fights to get Conor McGregor to pick him as his opponent when the latter returned to the octagon.
“Conor went with Chandler. Chandler deliberately loses because if he defeats a few opponents, it won’t ever happen, like in against McGregor. He fights crazily and acts as though he is from the streets. They start the battle because of this “Islam Makhachev remarked.
When asked if he would be interested in taking on McGregor, Makhachev responded that McGregor is not deserving of a title bout. Nonetheless, he would be open to that matchup if the UFC suggested it to him.
Michael Chandler has generated a lot of buzz during his brief UFC career and offered several thrilling battles for MMA fans all over the world. Only two of “Iron’s” five UFC octagon appearances have resulted in victories. Despite this, many consider Chandler to be one of the UFC’s top fighters right now.
On the most recent season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Chandler is presently coaching Conor McGregor. The two competitors will square off in the octagon following the show’s conclusion, though no precise date has been set.
Islam Makhachev weighs in on potential future opponents
Beneil Dariush’s fighting prowess was lauded during Islam Makhachev’s interview with Caroline Pearce, and Makhachev suggested that a matchup with Beneil Dariush may be thrilling.
Makhachev stated that the Dagestani would consider Charles Oliveira as an opponent if he puts on a strong showing in his subsequent contest.
“Because this man has good talents in grappling, wrestling, and hitting, Dariush is going to be a good fight. It’s going to be a fantastic fight because of this. But Oliveira… if he performs well, he might be the next.”
At UFC 288 in May, Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush will square off. The victor of the contest might go on to compete against Makhachev for the lightweight gold.