Islam Makhachev hadn’t fought a top 5 opponent nor had a bloody war before he fought for the undisputed title. Moreover, after he won the title, Makhachev’s first two title defenses were against Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion. As such, he had garnered criticism from several fighters like Max Holloway and Michael Chandler.
However, the victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 put a stamp on the criticism. Nonetheless, haters still criticize Makhachev for having it tough against Poirier. Nevertheless, Michael Chandler changed his take on Makhachev after the champion engaged in blood and guts war with the challenger, as evidenced by his latest tweet.
Good to see him [Islam Makhachev] tested by one of the best [Dustin Poirier] to ever do it, bloodied up and proving he has that dog in him. Stellar championship performance. See you, sooner or later. #ufc302
Michael Chandler via X
Chandler had fought but lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. However, he had picked Makhachev to defeat Poirier. Moreover, he praised Makhachev for the victory and for showcasing that he had the versatility and grit that was nonexistent before UFC 302.
Last night @MAKHACHEVMMA showed a lot of versatility and grit in an otherwise adversity-less run thus far. Good to see him tested by one of the best to ever do it, bloodied up and proving he has that dog in him. Stellar championship performance. See you, sooner or later. #ufc302
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 2, 2024
Chandler has title aspirations against Makhachev, which he made evident. He is on the next PPV, UFC 303, against Conor McGregor in a welterweight matchup. The UFC recently postponed his Dublin press conference for the event. Chandler stated that a victory over McGregor could get him a title shot.
What did Michael Chandler say about Islam Makachev’s weakness?
Islam Makhachev had shut down a lot of doubters and haters at UFC 302. Max Holloway was critical of Makhachev as he had not defended the title against a real lightweight contender. That changed at UFC 302, where he defeated Dustin Poirier, who is 2-0 against Holloway.
Michael Chandler criticizes Islam Makhachev (Image via: IMAGO)Michael Chandler had also criticized Makhachev in the past. Chandler has been in wars in MMA, UFC, and Bellator. As such, he appeared to see a weakness in Makhachev after he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.
Islam [Makhachev] hasn’t fought anyone who sees “red” – hasn’t been in a dogfight – he has fought polished guys…the dogfight is his kryptonite. #ufc294
Michael Chandler via X
Islam hasn’t fought anyone who sees “red” – hasn’t been in a dogfight – he has fought polished guys…the dogfight is his kryptonite. #ufc294
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) October 21, 2023
Makahchev saw ‘red’ in his recent fight as Poirier sliced open his forehead with an elbow. Moreover, the pound-for-pound king dug deep to tie the lightweight title defense record and pound-for-pound status intact. Chandler changed his stance after UFC 302, but UFC CEO Dana White and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones questioned Makhachev’s pound-for-pound status.
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