Islam Makhachev shared his thoughts on the Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler fight for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC title
Dana White confirmed a huge Lightweight fight for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s title with Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler fighting.
The pair will meet at UFC 262 and this is going to be a blockbuster clash. Oliveira is coming off an eight-fight win streak while Chandler is a three-time Bellator champion.
Chandler also won his UFC debut against Dan Hooker in impressive fashion and is one of a handful of UFC stars to get a title shot after his first fight for the promotion.
However, that doesn’t seem to sit well with some. Islam Makhachev is one of those who aren’t all that pleased with Chandler getting a title shot so soon.
Makhachev was speaking at a recent EFC event and was asked if Oliveira and Chandler deserve to fight for the vacant UFC Lightweight belt.
The Russian was fine with Oliveira getting a shot but not Chandler:
“Honestly, I think Oliveira deserves it, he’s got a good win streak but I don’t agree with Chandler being in there.
“He had one UFC fight and he hasn’t been tested. That first fight ended quickly.”
However, the Russian named two others who could have fought for the title too:
“I think Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier could’ve fought for the title but the UFC always have their own plans.”
Who will be the next champion to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Khabib retiring from the UFC and making it official was the biggest news coming out of the promotion last week.
Dana White tried his level best to keep Khabib but the Russian was adamant he was done with fighting.
Khabib has vouched that Makhachev will be a UFC champion in the future, but Chandler vs Oliveira is an interesting clash.
Oliveira has been on an incredible streak and he dismantled Tony Ferguson in his last fight. However, Chandler has a lot of experience in title fights.
The American also shocked the world by dispatching Hooker in the first round, and he could have the punching power to take down his rival.
Makhachev is right about Chandler not having enough UFC fights under his belt for a title shot. Poirier too could have been in the mix but The Diamond seems set to fight Conor McGregor a third time and make a lot of money.
More UFC news
- Conor McGregor hits out at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s MMA Record
- Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why Petr Yan used an illegal knee on Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259
- Khabib Nurmagomedov shares plans after UFC retirement and it includes great future for Islam Makhachev
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