Michael Chandler claims Khabib is the GOAT but adds time is up as Lightweight Champion

Published by

4 years ago

Michael Chandler is a former Bellator Champion (Instagram)

Khabib Nurmagomedov is still the Lightweight Champion and it could be time for him to relinquish the title, according to Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler was one of the standout performers from UFC 257. The former Bellator champion knocked out Dan Hooker on his UFC debut and put himself in the title scene.

Chandler wasn’t the only winner in the Lightweight division that night. Dustin Poirier also destroyed Conor McGregor and there have been talks of The Diamond facing Chandler for the title.

(R-L) Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Khabib Nurmagomedov currently holds the gold but retired from the competition after defeating Justin Gaethje.

Chandler was speaking to Ariel Helwani and was asked what to do with the belt and Khabib:

“I don’t ever want to use the word strip. Obviously, Khabib is the greatest of all time. He is the Lightweight champion but he has already made it clear he is not coming back.

“It has already been a quarter of a year since he said I am not coming back. He definitely saw something spectacular in me, in Dustin [Poirier], it still wasn’t enough for him to come back, Charles Oliveira looked spectacular in December.”

It is time for a Lightweight title clash

Khabib had spoken about someone grabbing his attention at UFC 257. However, despite the finishes, Khabib wasn’t sold on a return.

The Russian is 29-0 in his career and the 30^th fight could be something special. However, Chandler wanted Dana White to make a decision over the belt and believed a title fight was coming soon:

“At some point he’s got to admit, ‘I am not coming back’, Dana is going to admit to himself Khabib is not coming back and we need to move the Lightweight division, as you said, in a respectful manner.

“So I think, yes, that title should be up for grabs very soon.”

Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

It is to be seen who White finally can set up for the title. Poirier should be in the race but he isn’t keen on fighting Chandler.

Poirier even claimed that he would allow Charles Oliveira and Chandler to fight for the belt and make a decision later.

More UFC news

Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates

Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!