Michael Chandler and Islam Makhachev aren’t really all that impressed with each other.
Chandler Drops The ‘Truth’ About Makhachev
The two lightweights would cross paths not inside the Octagon, but online, after a criticism by Chandler made some headlines.
While Makhachev’s UFC record is nearly perfect at 11-1, the former Bellator Lightweight Champion doesn’t think Makhachev has much of a resume in the lead-up to his first title fight at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira.
“Nothing against Islam, you say he looks great, you say he looks unbeatable at times, but he hasn’t really fought anybody,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “That’s really the truth. He beat No. 14 and then he beat Dan Hooker, who was on a three or four-fight 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 a different time. He had just gone 25 minutes with Dustin Poirier, who at that time was the No. 2 lightweight on the entire planet.”
Don’t get it twisted, Chandler’s not saying Makhachev is a bad fighter. However, Chandler does believe he’s getting a bit too much credit right now for the level of opponents he has beaten in his career.
“I’m not saying that he’s not that good,” Chandler continued. “We just can’t say that he’s that good yet. It’s premature praise.”
Islam Issues A Response
Not long after Chandler made his criticism, Makhachev sent a message to his fellow lightweight contender, using his own logic against him.
“Haha., your only two win in UFC is Hooker who came out of loss,” Makhachev wrote on Twitter. “And Tony who has 5 losses in the row now., please shut up and stay in line.”
Haha., your only two win in UFC is Hooker who came out of loss, and Tony who has 5 losses in the row now., please shut up and stay in line🤐 https://t.co/DXPrf3A9dX
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) September 26, 2022
Well, Makhachev is not wrong when it comes to his UFC run. But, Chandler did have close fights with elite lightweights Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje to be fair. ‘Iron’ Mike will look make his resume look more shiny, when he fights ‘The Diamond’ Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.
But until then, Makhachev wants Chandler to shut up and stay in line as he fights for UFC gold next month.
