Following Conor McGregor‘s withdrawal from UFC 303, the entire MMA world speculates about what comes next. Michael Chandler claimed receiving the opportunity to face Islam Makhachev for the title. On the other hand, Beneil Dariush, another top lightweight contender, has dismissed Chandler’s claims as a publicity stunt.
Dariush was recently interviewed by Submission Radio, during which the host inquired about Chandler’s prospects against Makhachev. The lightweight fighter shared his prediction. He says he doesn’t believe Chandler would perform well against the champion even if Chandler gets a title shot.
I don’t really see him [Chandler] having a chance, unless he ends up winning in the first round.
Beneil Dariush via Submission Radio
Beneil Dariush promptly disregarded the ex-Bellator champion. He stated that given his recent loss, the company would not consider him for the Makhachev fight. Dariush also believes that Chandler can no longer handle five-round fights. Furthermore, he recommended three rounds to the 38-year-old, which would better fit him.
However, this is not the first time when Dariush has spoken highly of Makhachev. The 32-year-old Dagestani champion has recently defeated Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier at UFC 302. Since then, he’s been involved in banter on social media with Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, a former UFC light heavyweight champion has shared wise advice for the current lightweight king.
Daniel Cormier wants Islam Makhachev to take on big names
Fan favorite UFC commentator and former UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has some valuable advice for Islam Makhachev. The 32-year-old Dagestani fighter has a great record in UFC. He only has a single defeat in his last 16 fights in the UFC. However, the lightweight king has very few big-name opponents in his resume.
Daniel Cormier wants Islam Makhachev to fight big names like Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor (via Instagram)Beating one of the fan favorites, Charles Oliveira, at UFC 280 earned him the lightweight crown. Furthermore, he has only two victories over high-ranked UFC fighters, i.e., Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. Cormier, one of the Makhachev’s friends, gave the champion insightful advice.
He needs to fight Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler because those are the names. He needs those names to push himself up to the next level.
Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel
Daniel Cormier believes that Islam Makhachev needs bigger named opponents to become a superstar, naming Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier as names to beat.🌟
“He NEEDS to fight Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler, because those are the names. He needs those… pic.twitter.com/whn7tJ47pI
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 27, 2024
Now, Makhachev might be booked to fight #1 ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan. However, given the latter’s suspension from UFC, Makhachev might want to get his hands on some big names. Now, it remains to be seen how this tale between such exciting lightweights would unfold.
