UFC news: Michael Chandler claims Islam Makhachev is the real deal

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has claimed that Islam Makhachev is the real deal. Interestingly, Chandler had previously criticized the Dagestani going into his fight against Charles Oliveira.

Michael Chandler suggested that Islam Makhachev hasn’t fought anybody credible for him to have the hype that he does. However, it’s safe to say that Makhachev changed Chandler’s mind following an impressive victory over Charles Oliveira.

During a recent interview with MMA on point, Chandler praised Islam Makhachev and suggested that the Dagestani had to prove himself against someone like Charles Oliveira. He said: “Islam is the real deal. I think when I was asked before about it, my answer, I stand behind it. Islam hadn’t fought anybody in that top five and not necessarily just that, but it was the fact that Charles had looked so dominant.”

Michael Chandler further added: “Islam came out there and showed that he was a force to be reckoned with on the feet, obviously a force to be reckoned with on the ground, and caught Charles in that choke, and we have a new champion, and his name is Islam.”

Watch the full interview below:

Who is Michael Chandler fighting next?

‘Iron’ is coming off an impressive knockout victory over Tony Ferguson earlier this year. Now, Chandler is set to take on another one of the top lightweight contenders, Dustin Poirier.

Michael Chandler will square off against Dustin Poirier at the UFC 281 event which is set to take place later this month on November 12. The matchup is an interesting one for both Chandler and Poirier, who could very well end up in title contention following a win at UFC 281.

However, it is worth noting that Islam Makhachev will most likely take on Alexander Volkanovski next and it will be interesting to see how the division shapes up in the future.

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