The tension between Michael Chandler and Arman Tsarukyan has escalated recently. Chandler has accused Tsarukyan of hypocrisy regarding his stance on waiting for title fights. This spat came after top lightweight contender, Tsarukyan openly criticized Chandler for his long wait to fight Conor McGregor. Here is what happened:
Arman Tsarukyan had previously mocked Michael Chandler for not staying active in the octagon while holding out for a high-profile bout. However, the tables turned when Tsarukyan revealed his willingness to wait for a title shot against the reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Chandler sent out a tweet, pointing this out on X.
Wait a second @ArmanUfc – you said you’d wait another year? That would put you out for 17 months. You’d wait 17 months for a fight? Pot, meet kettle.
Michael Chandler via X
Makhachev is currently sidelined due to a hand injury. He is expected to return in early 2025. Tsarukyan indicated he would wait ‘as long as necessary’ for his opportunity to fight for the belt. Chandler has not fought since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 back in 2022.
His plans for a bout with McGregor were stalled after McGregor pulled out of UFC 303. Now, he has moved on and is currently focused on preparing for his upcoming rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. There has also been speculation about a potential clash between Chandler and Tsarukyan, with both fighters aiming for a shot at Makhachev’s title.
A fan asked Michael Chandler on X if he would fight Arman Tsarukyan anytime soon. Chandler replied that he would consider if Tsarukyan beat Islam Makhachev. MMA Junkie sent out a post on X about Chandler calling Tsarukyan a hypocrite.
Chandler retweeted that post and explained it further. He wrote that while the title fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan would happen way earlier, the Armenian cannot say he would wait out for a year after calling him out for not being active.
We will see how it plays out. The fight will happen way before a year…both guys are studs…however, you can’t say this after calling me out for waiting. Best decision of my professional life, btw. See y’all Nov 16 #ufc309 https://t.co/MiUqCgqCoE
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) September 24, 2024
Michael Chandler is set to face Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 309. They will fight later this year at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Headlining the co-main event, the two would meet for the second time after Oliveira previously defeated Chandler in 2021 to claim the UFC lightweight title.
