Michael Chandler Has Shocking Prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski Clash

2022 has officially come to an end for the UFC with the conclusion of UFC Vegas 66. It was an excellent year for the UFC as well as its fans. However, the next year is going to be bigger and better. One of the most anticipated UFC fights of 2023 is the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski bout at UFC 284. The objective of this battle will be to determine which UFC fighter is the greatest in the world. Makhachev will be challenging the current rank 1 pound-for-pound fighter Volkanovski, and will do everything in his capacity to dethrone him. There has been a lot of discussion about who will end up winning between the two. And it appears that Michael Chandler has picked the winner of the big fight already.

‘Iron’ talked in-depth about Makhachev vs. Volkanovski fight and gave his thoughts on its outcome.

Michael Chandler shares thoughts on Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski can arguably be the biggest fight of the UFC in 2023. And considering that, the predictions of this fight are bound to drop it. In a recent interview, Michael Chandler shared his thoughts on this P4P battle and even predicted its outcome. He said, “I am very interested in seeing how that fight does, man. I’m a huge Volkanovski fan. He’s very, very good. Is he gonna be smaller than Islam? Yes, very much so.”

Chandler also said that Volkanovski may perform better than what is expected from him. “But I don’t think, I’ve said before, I think I’ve somewhat changed my prediction a little bit. I do think Volkanovski is gonna do better than we all think he does.”

He further added, “The one thing I see is that Volkanovski is a little bit shorter, so that leverage game of, if Islam gets up underneath him, puts his head underneath his chin, he’s gonna be able to lift him off the mat pretty easy, off the ground pretty easy.”

Read more: “Imagine if You Gave Someone Steroids From the Age of 10,12,13” – Bobby Green Found a “Video” Proving Islam Makhachev Has Been “Bred to Be Better”

Chandler eventually talked about the specifics of the fighters and came to a final conclusion. He said, “But in the striking department, Volkanovski is better than him. And I think in the speed, the power department, Volkanovski is better than him. So, anything outside of Islam going out there and taking him down in the first minute of each round and holding him down, I think Volkanovski might actually squeak out a decision. Most likely not a finish, but a decision.”

Well, it is a big fight for both the fighters. Makhachev wants to top the pound-for-pound ranking, wherein Volkanovski will be defending his throne and aims to become the double champ, by defeating Islam Makhachev. On the other hand, it can be a big year for Michael Chandler, too. He may finally get the fight he has long been yearning for.

McGregor vs. Chandler in 2023?

Michael Chandler has been eyeing the Conor McGregor bout for a while now. The former may finally get his dream fight in the UFC after all, as Dana White revealed that “The Notorious” is likely to face Chandler when he returns.

Talking about the potential matchup against McGregor, the 36-year-old stated why he is the idea opponent for ‘The Notorious’. Chandler said, “There’s one thing that’s undeniable. Dana knows it, the UFC knows it, Conor knows it. I’ve become the most exciting guy in the UFC.” 

2023 certainly appears to have some of the best and most exciting fights in line for the UFC fans. And since McGregor vs. Chandler is still in the process, all eyes are on the battle between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, which is all about being the best in the world.

Watch this story: Five Times Islam Makhachev Annihilated His Opponents Inside The UFC Octagon

Who do you think will become the P4P king in 2023? Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments below.