PERTH, Australia – UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev doesn’t see big implications from Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) will coach “The Ultimate Fighter 31” opposite side Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and the pair are expected to throw down after the show airs. It debuts May 30 on ESPN and ESPN+, with the conclusion of the season set for Aug. 15 after weekly episodes airing Tuesdays.
Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) isn’t sure who’s next if he gets past featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 284 headliner, but finds it hard to view McGregor vs. Chandler as a No. 1 contender fight.
“Chandler vs. Conor is a good fight for MMA fans, but both guys from me where I am now, we have between us a long way,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “This is just a good fight for the fans and that’s it.”
The likes of Michael Bisping think that beating Chandler would grant McGregor a title shot and while Makhachev doesn’t think he’d deserve it, he admits that if the UFC offered it, he’d accept.
“My friends are gonna be upset if this happens,” Makhachev laughed. “But I told you, if UFC calls me – I never choose someone. If the UFC calls me, I’m gonna be ready.”
UFC 284 takes place Saturday at RAC Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.
