Islam Makhachev thinks Michael Chandler will retire after bagging the biggest payday of his life against Conor McGregor later this year.
McGregor is set to coach the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler, and the two will fight at the end of the season. Both fighters are coming off losses, and are in need of a big performance come fight night to get back into title contention. The Irishman last fought at UFC 264, where he lost to Dustin Poirier by a doctor’s stoppage after breaking his tibia in the first round, whereas the former Bellator champ is also coming off a loss to ‘The Diamond’ at UFC 281.
Islam Makhachev On Michael Chandler
Speaking to the media ahead of UFC 284 (as transcribed by MMA News), Makhachev said that Chandler’s next UFC fight will be his final one.
“For Chandler, this fight is (the) last fight for him,” Makhachev said. “He’s gonna make money and that’s it. He’s gonna retire. Or, if he loses, maybe UFC kicks him out ’cause of how many times he lose. Conor can beat him because I don’t understand Chandler. He has a background in wrestling but he goes always crazy.”
Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against featherweight kingpin Alex Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Australia. He’s currently riding an eleven-fight winning streak, with his most recent win coming against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Volkanovski on the other hand is riding a twelve-fight winning streak, with his most recent win coming against Max Holloway at UFC 276.
Do you agree with Islam Makhachev that Michael Chandler will retire after fighting Conor McGregor?
