Islam Makhachev has responded to Michael Chandler’s assertion that he was offered a shot at the UFC lightweight title after Chandler’s fight with Conor McGregor fell through.
Chandler was set to headline UFC 303 against McGregor in a highly anticipated bout, but the Irishman had to pull out two weeks before the event because of an injury. The former Bellator champion is hopeful that the UFC will reschedule his fight with the Dublin native, although he is considering other options as well.
Recently, Chandler shared on social media that he’s been offered a shot at the lightweight title against Makhachev in October.
“I’ve been offered Islam Makhachev in October – but if Conor McGregor’s little pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports,” Chandler wrote on X.
Makhachev quickly turned the fight, calling Chandler unreliable.
“You are unreliable,” Makhachev wrote on Twitter. “One tweet from your master and you’ll run away. Champ needs real opponent.”
Chandler’s claim of a title shot came as a surprise to many in the MMA community since he hasn’t fought since November 2022, where he lost to Dustin Poirier by submission.
Moreover, Arman Tsarukyan is the division’s rightful number one contender as things stand, and despite a nine-month suspension due to misconduct, he can still make a return by October 12th since he will do the Anti-Bullying PSA with NSAC to reduce his suspension to six months, meaning he will be eligible to fight in after October 12th.
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