- Michael Chandler questioned Arman Tsarukyan’s decision to say no to a title bout with Islam Makhachev
- “Ahalkalakets” responded and also blasted “Iron” for waiting for Conor McGregor for a long time
Michael Chandler criticized Arman Tsarukyan for not agreeing to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 and “Ahalkalakets” did not let it slide.
Chandler is baffled
Speaking on The MMA Hour, “Iron” shared his take on Tsarukyan turning down an opportunity to fight for the lightweight title. According to Chandler, he would’ve grabbed that opportunity if he was in Tsarukyan’s shoe because a lot of things are happening in the UFC in a short period of time.
“Arman just went out there and beat Oliveira. Obviously, sounds like he’s going to be the No. 1 contender next,” Chandler said. “I also don’t understand why he didn’t take that fight. I would have taken it.”
“This sport moves fast,” he pointed out. “The sport moves very fast, and June 1, you’re going to see the lightweight title [fight] happen… So the sport moves fast. You’ve got to take your opportunities. You’ve got to pounce on them.
Arman hit back
Unsurprisingly, “Ahalkalakets” responded to Chandler’s comments. For Tsarukyan, it’s ironic that Chandler talked about making the most of the opportunity when he didn’t fight anybody for two years waiting for Conor McGregor.
“I don’t expect you to understand @MikeChandlerMMA. We are not on the same level. I am here to be the champ. You are just waiting for a paycheck. I also don’t understand why you waited Conor fight for 2 years, you could’ve lost 4 exciting fights during that time,” Tsarukyan said.
I don’t expect you to understand @MikeChandlerMMA. We are not on the same level. I am here to be the champ. You are just waiting for a paycheck. I also don’t understand why you waited Conor fight for 2 years, you could’ve lost 4 exciting fights during that time pic.twitter.com/FfysM0YurV
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) April 23, 2024
Chandler had an excuse
Apparently, Chandler is well aware that people would fire back at him for targeting “Notorious” and not choosing to fight while waiting. However, “Iron” insists that there was no fight offered throughout that stretch.
“Coming from the guy that just waited 15 months, so I get people, ‘Oh yeah, Chandler, you really are pouncing on opportunities.’ Once again, I never got asked for any opportunities in the last 15 months,” Chandler said.
Tsarukyan opted to rest after beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. However, he guaranteed that he got his eyes locked on Makhachev. On the other hand, Chandler is finally set to face McGregor at UFC 303.
Watch Chandler’s full interview below:
