Islam Makhachev has responded to UFC rival Michael Chandler's criticism ahead of his vacant lightweight title fight.
Chandler detailed his surprise to Makhachev being the betting favourite for his fight with former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 on October 22. The American is baffled that Makhachev is being favoured given the lack of top contender he's beaten on his path to a title shot. Oliveira, who knocked out Chandler to win the 155lb title last year, has beaten former interim champions Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier in his last fights.
“Nothing against Islam, you say he looks great, you say he looks unbeatable at times, but he hasn’t really fought anybody,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “That’s really the truth. He beat No. 14 and then he beat Dan Hooker, who was on a three or four-fight losing streak. I’m not saying that Islam not that good. We just can’t say that he’s that good yet. It’s premature praise.”
