Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is due to defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski this weekend, commented on rumors that Conor McGregor could get a title shot if he beats Michael Chandler in his next fight.
“I don’t want to say that I don’t need McGregor, but there is a big hole between me and him at the moment,” the Russian fighter said, talking to reporters in Perth. “People want to see real fights, real contenders – those who deserve it in deeds, not in words. But if the UFC wants this fight, I’m not going to refuse. I’m in champion status, and I’m just waiting for a call. Whoever they offer, I will agree to fight with him. ”
According to Makhachev, after the fight with McGregor, Chandler will announce the end of his professional career.
“This is a good fight for MMA fans. If Chandler wins, he’ll retire, I’m sure of it. Make good money and that’s it. In fact, Chandler is a very smart guy. I saw a couple of his last fights where he fought like crazy, like a grunt from the street, but now I understand why he did it. If he had beaten Poirier and Gaethje, this fight would never have happened. But he suffered three losses in four fights – that’s why the fight with McGregor will take place. For Conor, this is also a good choice – one of them will finally win.
Recall that the super lightweight fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski on February 11 will headline the UFC 284 tournament in Perth, and McGregor and Chandler, appointed coaches of the 31st season of TUF, can split the octagon in September.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/30740-islam-makhachev-otsenil-veroyatnost-boya-s-konorom-makgregorom.html?rand=19907
