Michael Chandler Gets Payback on Arman Tsarukyan as Islam Makhachev Gets Dragged Into Uncalled Beef Despite Injury

The MMA world is not untouched by the ongoing rivalry between ranked #6 middleweight contender Michael Chandler and top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan. They have engaged in verbal jabs on social media, especially Arman Tsarukyan, who has slammed Chandler multiple times for waiting over 18 months for Conor McGregor. However, the tables have turned, as Tsarukyan is now in the position that Chandler occupied for the last few months—waiting for his potential opponent, division king Islam Makhachev, who is recovering from an injury sustained during UFC 303.

Tsarukyan shocked the world when he stated in an interview, “I don’t care when this fight happens, even if it’s in a year.” This comment drew the attention of Michael Chandler, who did not hesitate to remind Arman of his previous mockery of Conor McGregor. Chandler stated, “Wait a second, Arman Tsarukyan, you said you’d wait another year? That would put you out for 17 months. You’d wait 17 months for a fight? Pot, meet kettle.”

In his UFC journey, Chandler has always maintained a composed demeanor toward his rivals, whether it’s Arman Tsarukyan or Islam Makhachev, even as they have often tried to undermine him with their words. Nonetheless, Michael Chandler did not stop there; he further extended his well wishes to Tsarukyan and Makhachev for their upcoming fight, which Makhachev has already hinted will take place in January 2025. Chandler stated, “We will see how it plays out. The fight will happen way before a year… both guys are studs. However, you can’t say this after calling me out for waiting. Best decision of my professional life, by the way. See y’all Nov 16.”

However, the longer Arman Tsarukyan waits for his title fight against Islam Makhachev, the more eager Michael Chandler becomes to conclude their rivalry so he can challenge the titleholder, whoever that may be. Chandler also has his own preference for the upcoming Tsarukyan vs. Makhachev fight, which he has already disclosed. Scroll to find out whom Michael Chandler backed.

Michael Chandler’s prediction on Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan

Michael Chandler, after being fed up waiting for Conor McGregor for almost two years, finally announced earlier this week that he has decided to move on from McGregor and now sets his sights on Charles Oliveira for the UFC’s upcoming event at Madison Square Garden scheduled for November. This event will also feature Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic clashing once more for the title belt. After facing Oliveira, Chandler plans to target Islam Makhachev.

In a recent candid interview, when the host asked him if Arman Tsarukyan could beat Makhachev, Chandler didn’t hesitate to put his money on Islam. He emphasized Makhachev’s skills, stating, “I think Islam is a man possessed. I think Islam is bigger, stronger, and he’s got more skills. You know, obviously, I’ve studied the Oliveira-Arman fight a lot, which was Charles’s last fight, and he lost to Arman. I just don’t think Arman has enough to beat Islam.”

What are your thoughts on Michael Chandler’s remarks? Do you think Chandler did the right thing with his “tit for tat” take on Arman Tsarukyan? Drop your opinion below.