Islam Makhachev’s recent performances have changed Michael Chandler’s attitude toward him.
Evidently ‘Iron’ used to be “one of the biggest” haters of the reigning lightweight champion.
During a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler stated that he was initially unapproving of Makhachev because of how the Dagestani got his title shot:
“I have a ton of respect for him, because trust me, I was the biggest hater, I was one of the biggest Islam haters, and I took a lot of flak for it, but he just hadn’t proved what he needed to prove to be the No.1 guy. Who did he beat? Like a No.12 guy or beat Bobby Green and then got a title shot?”
Michael Chandler then revealed that the 33-year-old has won him over since then by steadily improving following the title win:
“But since then he has done nothing but improve, and nothing but impress, nothing but gain steam.”
Check out Michael Chandler’s comments on Islam Makhachev below (10:20):
Makhachev is on a collision course with the No.1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, with the pair expected to fight sometime next year. Michael Chandler is convinced that the champion will be dominant on the ground but urged Makhachev to stay active on the feet for good measure.
While there are rumors that ‘Iron’s’ upcoming UFC 309 co-headliner with Charles Oliveira is in jeopardy, during the interview, Chandler proclaimed that he’d be fighting the winner of Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan once he defeats ‘Do Bronx’.
Check out Ariel Helwani’s take on Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira 2 rumors below:
Based on the conversations I've had, Charles Oliveira x Michael Chandler is not in jeopardy at this time. #UFC309#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/F3KOwBFOjs
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 6, 2024