Michael Chandler desires to see Islam Makhachev defend the UFC light-weight title earlier than taking any superfights.
All indicators are pointing to Makhachev preventing featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski subsequent February at UFC 284, a mega matchup that will function a pairing between two of the most effective Pound-for-Pound fighters on the planet and Makhachev’s first title protection. The Russian star captured the belt with a dominant submission victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 this previous October.
Forward of his battle with Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 on Saturday, Chandler spoke to the media about Makhachev’s plans and the way he would possibly match up with him.
“I believe if there’s a man on the market who deserves to maneuver up I believe it’s Alex Volkanovski,” Chandler stated. “Clearly, the egocentric a part of me says I don’t need that to occur. I perceive the way it makes a ton of sense from the promoter standpoint, from the UFC standpoint. You’ve bought the No. 1 pound-for-pound man on the planet versus the No. 3 pound-for-pound man on the planet, however I additionally assume that Islam has proved himself to be our champion and is our champion and we’ve got to just accept that and I believe he’s an outstanding expertise.
“I additionally assume he has to have his first title protection in opposition to a light-weight. He must get by way of one other light-weight earlier than they begin speaking about superfights. As soon as once more, I don’t say that to say that the UFC is making a nasty choice or the unsuitable choice in the event that they make that call to let Volkanovski transfer up, however I believe after I deal with enterprise on Saturday night time it is going to be plain that they’re going to wish to see good, ol’ original, ardour and American wrestling versus Dagestani Sambo, Dagestani grappling. That’s what I hope we get to see.”
Chandler, a three-time Bellator champion, has seen combined outcomes since making his UFC debut in January 2021 as he has gone toe-to-toe with solely ranked opponents. He scored a first-round TKO of Dan Hooker in his UFC debut, then dropped back-to-back fights to Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. He introduced his UFC document to 2-2 with a Knockout of the Yr front-runner end of Tony Ferguson this previous Might.
Not solely does Chandler assume his thrilling preventing model places him on the entrance of any contender dialogue, he additionally sees himself as having the perfect model to halt Makhachev’s 11-fight win streak.
“I actually assume my wrestling will cease his assaults,” Chandler stated. “I believe I can take him down. I believe I can match him grappling for grappling and I believe within the hanging division I’ve bought extra energy, I’m quicker, and I’ve higher arms. That’s me talking confidently, clearly, a ton of respect for him. However I do assume it’s essentially the most intriguing matchup within the light-weight division. There’s not a greater wrestler on the light-weight roster than me. My credentials converse for themselves, being a Division-I All-American is form of the epitome of wrestling accomplishment. So I believe I match up extraordinarily effectively.
“I believe I beat him, however that’s what all of us say. That’s what Charles stated, that’s what I stated about Charles. So hopefully we see that battle early 2023.”
First, Chandler has to get previous Poirier in a bout that many anticipate to steal the present. Preventing at Madison Sq. Backyard at UFC 268 final November, Chandler went three unimaginable rounds with Gaethje in probably the most brutal brawls in current reminiscence.
Poirier is at the moment tied for the No. 3 spot at light-weight within the MMA Preventing International Rankings with Chandler three spots behind him, so Chandler is assured {that a} win over Poirier strains him up for one more large alternative subsequent.
“In the end, I simply have to put myself right into a place the place I have to win and it doesn’t matter what it’s thrilling,” Chandler stated. “I’ve by no means, in my total profession, had a boring battle, win, lose, or draw. And I don’t say that to brag or impress anyone, it’s simply my nature. That’s how I wrestled. As quickly as that whistle blew, I wished to get my arms on my opponent, I wished to place stress on him and I felt like I used to be doing one thing unsuitable if I wasn’t urgent the motion. So I believe it’s a really, excellent factor and has put me in some positions right here and there, but it surely’s the battle sport.
“You’re preventing the most effective guys on the planet right here within the UFC and sooner or later when you recognize you’ve ready, when you recognize you’ve executed the whole lot proper, all you are able to do is go on the market and simply form of go away it as much as likelihood. I’m undoubtedly a veteran now, my fifth battle within the UFC, issues have calmed down just a little bit, I’m seeing issues extra clearly as effectively. This can be a phenomenal alternative and I believe this places me in line for the title or one other large battle by knocking off Dustin.”
