Looks like Islam Makhachev is coming as a storm cementing himself as one of the best lightweight.
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Michael Chandler has changed his mind about Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion of the UFC. Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) criticized Makhachev’s resume and claimed that he wasn’t even close to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, before Makhachev won the title at UFC 280. Chandler has since changed his mind after Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) defeated and defeated Charles Oliveira to win the gold medal.
Watch the full interview below:
“Iron” Chandler said in an interview with MMA On Point, “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, as well … Charles ran through, what, four guys? He fought me then he beat (Dustin) Poirier and beat (Justin) Gaethje.
“You’re talking the who’s who of the top three, top five guys and the impressiveness in the nature in which he was finishing guys, he just looked awesome. 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.”
READ MORE: Beneil Dariush predicts the outcome of Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler
With a victory against Dustin Poirier on November 12 at UFC 281, Chandler, who lost to Oliveira in his first attempt at UFC gold in May 2021, hopes to solidify his position as the top contender once again. He said, “Islam proved that he was who he said he was. I stand corrected. He’s our champion, and I hope I can go out there on November 12th, can win my fight, and get that title shot soon.”
When Oliveira and Chandler squared up for the championship at UFC 262, Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) came close to winning. Oliveira was injured and fell at the conclusion of Round 1, but heChandler was eventually knocked out in Round 2. Consequently, being aware of how dangerous the UFC’s all-time finishes leader is But Oliveira’s easy defeat by Islam has forced the UFC roster to treat the lightweight champion with the respect he merits.
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