Since UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title for the third time against former interim champ Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, the MMA world has been buzzing with anticipation for a showdown between Makhachev and rising contender Arman Tsarukyan. The rematch, which had fans on the edge of their seats, was slated for the Abu Dhabi card this fall, with Tsarukyan poised to challenge the lightweight throne once again.

But as fate would have it, Makhachev’s momentum hit a roadblock after sustaining an injury during UFC 303, forcing the highly-anticipated bout to be pushed into next year. The exact date remains a mystery, but the delay has only fueled the hype surrounding the clash. This fight isn’t just a rematch; it’s a potential legacy-defining moment for both fighters.

Even UFC star Michael Chandler couldn’t resist weighing in on the excitement, sharing his thoughts on who might walk away with the belt when the two finally step into the octagon. With the lightweight division on fire, Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan is shaping up to be a battle that could redefine the division—and fans can’t wait.

Michael Chandler on Arman Tsrukyan vs Islam Makhachev 2

Ranked #6 lightweight contender Michael Chandler has been out of action for years, largely waiting for his ‘red panty night’ against Conor McGregor, who doesn’t seem ready to return to the octagon. Frustrated by this, Iron Mike announced earlier this week that he is moving on from McGregor and setting his sights on Charles Oliviera at UFC’s upcoming Madison Square Garden. After that, he is plans to take on Islam Makhachev, a goal ‘Iron Mike recently reiterated in an interview with MMA FightingSBN. When the host asked  Chandler, “Do you believe Islam beats Arman?”

Chandler, without reluctance, weighed in on Dagestan native’s win against Arman Tsarukyan despite their rivalry. He claimed, ” 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 think Arman has enough to beat Islam.” ‘Iron Mike’ further praised Makhachev’s grappling game, stating, “ I think Islam has too much pressure. His wrestling is better, and he’s improved a ton he and Arman last fought, stylistically.”

This kind of compliment from Michael Chandler towards Islam Makhachev seems unusual, as they’ve rarely spoken well of each other in the past. In fact, Makhachev even labeled ‘Iron Mike’ an “outsider” and took it as step further by calling him “Hachiko,” referencing the pop culture dog who waited endlessly for his master. Makhachev’s longtime coach Javier Mendez, however, holds a contrasting view, with much different opinion than Dagestan native.

Javier Mendez on Michael Chandler

Back in July, after his fight against Conor McGregor was postponed due to McGregor’s broken pinky toe, Michael Chandler fueled rumors on social media when he announced that Dana White and company offered him a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC’s event in October. However, Dagestan native dismissed this and slammed ‘Iron Mike’ online, calling him an unreliable opponent, claimed, “One tweet from your master, and you will run away.”

Recently, Team Khabib’s head coach, Javier Mendez, weighed in on the potential matchup between Michael Chandler and Islam Mkahachev, suggesting it could be one of the best grappling showdowns in MMA history, possibly taking place after Makhachev’s title defense against Arman Tsarukyan. Since both ‘Iron Mike’ and Makhachev come from wrestling backgrounds, Mendez stated, “ I love that, I love that. Michael Chandler is, you know, he wants to put his name in the hat, and I like his attitude; I like what he’s doing. And I think that he’s correct. If he gets a win, that’s good excitement. Islam has never faced him, so that would be a great fight for Islam to want to get charged up.”

What are your thoughts on Micheal Chandler’s predictions? Do you think Islam Makhachev can repeat his past performance against top-ranked contender when these two formidable fighters meet inside the octagon in 2025? Drop your opinion below.