- Michael Chandler explained why he thinks he’s the only fighter who could beat Islam Makhachev
- “Iron” is confident he could fight and dethrone Islam next year
Michael Chandler is very confident about not only being the guy who could match Islam Makhachev but also becoming the new lightweight champion next year.
Chandler thinks he could end Islam’s reign
Speaking to MMA Fighting, “Iron” explained why he has always believed that nobody else could end Makhachev’s reign at this point but him. For Chandler, his grappling and striking are way better than the Dagestani champ and he could dethrone Islam early next year if the UFC gives him a shot.
“It would be a big fight… I think Islam doesn’t want to fight Charles again, Islam doesn’t want to fight Poirier again, Islam doesn’t want to fight some of these guys that he has fought before, he wants new blood, fresh blood… and I am that guy. I think I’ve got a great style to beat Islam, as I said, good old fashioned, passionate, hardworking Missouri division one wrestling beats Dagestani Sambo every day of the week. I got dynamite in my hands, I got cardio for days, I can push the pace, I believe I beat Islam,” Chandler said.
“I believe I fight and beat Islam in early 2025,” he concluded.
Michael Chandler likes his chances again Islam Makhachev
(🎥: @DamonMartin) pic.twitter.com/k2u9ZDVOyJ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) September 29, 2024
Islam eyes another exciting fighter
Chandler was on point as Makhachev previously admitted that he is looking for a fresh opponent which makes a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan less appealing. At this point, Makhachev is interested in a showdown with Max Holloway, who is already booked for a title fight with Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
That said, Chandler’s plan to shoot his shot at a title fight with Makhachev appears to make sense. However, he must first beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 next month.
