Michael Chandler recently made disparaging remarks about Islam Makhachev.
“Nothing against Islam, like you said. You know, you say he’s great. You say he looks you know, you say you look unbeatable at times. But back home, he hasn’t really fought anybody. You know, that’s that’s really the truth. He beat number 14 and then he beat Dan Hooker, who was on a three or four fight losing streak. ”
Islam Makhachev wasted no time responding. Michael Chandler recently said that given the kind of opposition Makhachev has had, it would be ‘premature’ to give him too much credit at this time.
In response to Chandler’s jab, Makhachev pointed out that the former Bellator champion had just two UFC victories. They were both against opponents who had just suffered a defeat.
Islam Makachev said on Twitter:
“Haha., your only two win in UFC is Hooker who came out of loss, and Tony who has 5 losses in the row now., please shut up and stay in line.”
The CEO of Dominance management also called Chandler a “clout chaser” in a letter:
“Your two wins in the UFC over guys with a combined record of 1-9 in the last 10 the cloud chaser”
Chandler defeated Dan Hooker in his UFC debut with a highlight-reel knockout. Then Michael Chandler lost a championship opportunity to Charles Oliveira and a decision to Justin Gaethje. Since then, Chandler has recovered with a knockout victory against Tony Ferguson, who was already on a losing streak.
Islam Makhachev hasn’t yet faced top opposition. Beneil Dariush was supposed to face Makhachev before Makhachev got a title shot. However, because of an injury, Beneil Dariush withdrew from the bout.