Islam Makhachev told Michael Chandler to watch his words
Islam Makhachev has warned Michael Chandler to mind his own business after the American MMA star suggested the Russian fighter has risen to prominence thanks to a series of easy matchups.
Makhachev, who is 11-1 in the UFC (22-1 overall), is set to face in-form Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Abu Dhabi lightweight championship on Oct. 22, in a fight that comes after the Brazilian was stripped of the world title for slightly failing to gain weight ahead of a proposed title defense against Justin Gaethje in May.
But regardless of the late mistake, Oliveira got through Gaethje in just over three minutes, forcing the USA star to tap out after sinking into a bare-back choke submission.
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It was Oliveira’s 11th consecutive victory against a long list of top opponents that also included Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler – and in a recent interview, Chandler suggested that Makhachev’s career was only smoke and mirrors so far. indicate.
« Nothing against Islam, you say he looks great, you say he looks unbeatable sometimes, but he ain’t really fought no one“, Chandler told MMA Fighting.
« It really is the truth. He beat No. 14, and then he beat Dan Hooker, who was on a three- or four-game losing streak.
« Now people will say, ‘well, one of your wins was against Dan Hooker, what are you talking about?’ I fought Dan Hooker at another time. He had just spent 25 minutes with Dustin Poirier, who was the number two lightweight on the planet at the time.
« I’m not saying that [Islam] not so good“, added Chandler.”Can’t say it’s that good yet. It’s premature praise.”
Makhachev, the man universally regarded as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC successor at 155lbs, has a different opinion, and amid his own extended winning streak, he says his shot at UFC gold is more than justified.
« Haha, your only two UFC wins are [Dan] Hooker who came out of the loss, and Tony [Ferguson] who has 5 straight losses nowtweeted an annoyed Makhachev.
« Please shut up and stay on the line.”
Haha., Your only two UFC wins are Hooker who came out of defeat, and Tony who now has 5 straight losses., please shut up and stay tuned🤐 https://t. co/DXPrf3A9dX
The Russian star will get his chance to prove his words when he takes on Oliviera next month in a fight that many believe will confirm the best legitimate 155-pound fighters on the planet.
And if it’s the Dagestan-born fighter who has his hand raised at the end of the day, it will be hard for Chandler – or anyone – to argue that he isn’t the best in the world.
