Makhachev Shuts Down A Chandler Fight – ‘You’ll Run Away’
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has dismissed a fight against Michael Chandler.
Chandler recently saw his UFC 303 fight with Conor McGregor get pulled after the Irishman suffered a broken toe. It was a huge blow for Chandler, who has been waiting for the McGregor fight since their appearance on the TUF 31 series. Chandler has not been in the Octagon since UFC 281 in 2022, when he lost to Dustin Poirier. He turned down the chance to remain active by waiting for McGregor.
He is 38 years old, meaning that inactivity will harm him at this stage in his career. Chandler then claimed that he had been offered a fight with Makhachev, although talks over a McGregor fight were continuing.
Meanwhile, Islam is in search of an opponent following his win over Poirier at UFC 303.
Makhachev On Chandler
The champion won via a fifth-round submission. He was expected to face Arman Tsarukyan, the number-one-ranked contender in the division. But Arman has been suspended for nine months after punching a fan at UFC 300 during his walkout. Poirier has requested that Islam run things back, leaving him with few options. When it came to Chandler, Islam doubted whether he wanted the fight.
“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pink toe is ready by Sept. let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306,” Chandler
“Good old fashioned passionate American @MizzouWrestling beats sambo all day. @MAKHACHEVMMA,” Chandler
“You are unreliable dude. One tweet from your master and you’ll run away. Champ needs real opponent,” Islam
Nevertheless, Matt Brown has urged Chandler to take the fight. Chandler is not going to get too many opportunities to fight for the title. A win against Islam earns him a massive rematch and makes the McGregor fight even bigger. Since he would hold a belt, Chandler could use that for more leverage in the negotiations. However, there is a risk that Chandler comes up short.
Chandler’s Title Shot
He would be a massive underdog in the fight, so a one-sided defeat may reduce the chance of getting the McGregor fight. McGregor has previously indicated his desire to rematch Nate Diaz in a much bigger fight. So, moving forward, the question is whether Chandler wants to fight for money or legacy. Brown has now told Chandler to chase the title shot, which may never come again.
“Why you wouldn’t jump on that, take it right now, sign the dotted line today, makes zero sense to me. I can’t think of any reason not to do it. Assuming Conor does come back – let’s just assume he is going to come back – do you think he wouldn’t love to fight you for the title?
You could absolutely set that fight for the title, assuming that you win the title and now not only is it a Conor McGregor fight but it’s a Conor McGregor fight for the title. Does it get any better? Michael Chandler needed Conor. Now he’s got a title shot. Now he doesn’t need Conor. Get the…title shot. [Forget] Conor. Go,” Brown said
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