Coach Javier Mendez Questions Michael Chandler’s Chin, Picks Justin Gaethje to Win the Fight

Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler will take place at UFC 268. Both fighters have similar fighting styles, often choosing to trade heavy blows with their opponents while walking them down. Keeping that in mind, Coach Javier Mendez believes Chandler might fall short in his third fight in the UFC.

Why will Chandler fail against Justin Gaethje?

Ranked no.2 and no.4 in the lightweight division, both Gaethje and Michael Chandler are coming off title losses. While Gaethje lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254, Chandler recently suffered a second-round knockout loss to Charles Oliveira in their matchup for the vacant title. 

A former two-time Bellator champion, Michael Chandler has displayed a propensity to be reckless while engaging in long exchanges with his opponents. And although Gaethje is very similar in that aspect, the Arizona native has an incredible ability to absorb unusual amounts of damage. 

Perhaps that is why Javier Mendez came up with the following prediction for their fight, 

” I’m favoring Gaethje a little bit because of his overall chin, got a great chin. Michael, that’s his biggest fault, his chin and they’re going to test each other’s chin. And the wrestling, I think, is going to nullify itself because they’re both good wrestlers. I think the submission game, cause there isn’t going to be a wrestling game, I think this will be all standup. Even if you try to go wrestle with those guys, I’m not so sure these guys are going to be very successful with each other. So, I’m just going to go with the one who has the better chin, and it’s Gaethje.”   

Considering their rankings in the lightweight division, the winner could look at another title shot opportunity. Regardless of the outcome, one can be sure this fight is going to be one for the ages. 

ALSO READ: ‘I Knock Him Out in The Third Round’- Michael Chandler Makes a Bold Prediction for the Justin Gaethje Fight

Can Michael Chandler become the lightweight champion of the UFC? 

A consummate martial artist, Michael Chandler is one of the most decorated fighters in the lightweight division. His debut in the UFC was nothing short of spectacular with the 34-year-old knocking out Dan Hooker in the very first round. 

 Ever since his arrival in the UFC, ‘Iron’ Chandler has made his intentions very clear: He’s here for the belt, nothing less. And although the former Bellator champion came up short in his title fight against Charles Oliveira, his primary goal in the UFC remains the same.   

In a division where anyone in the top five could be a champion on any day, Michael Chandler has all the tools to rule the stacked division. Should he get the win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 268, Chandler will get another crack at the belt, another opportunity to realize his dream. 

What do you think? Can Michael ‘Iron’ Chandler become the lightweight champion? Let us know in the comments. 

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