Michael Chandler agrees with UFC president Dana White’s decision to pump the brakes on an Islam Makhachev title shot, claiming the No. 3-ranked lightweight needs another big win before he gets a crack at Charles Oliveira.
Chandler thinks it’s only a matter of time before Makhachev, who trains under Khabib Nurmagomedov, challenges for the belt but doesn’t think a win over an unranked opponent is enough to solidify him as a title contender.
‘Iron’ Mike would like to see Makhachev get past No. 4-ranked Beneil Dariush before he’s launched into title contention, claiming a win over Bobby Green just isn’t enough.