Michael Chandler expects to face Islam Makhachev soon, shares potential timeline and outcome of fight: "I got cardio for days"

Michael Chandler is optimistic that he will soon challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. In addition, Chandler provided a timeline and predicted how their potential fight would play out.

Chandler has been out of action for two years following his third round submission loss against former interim champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. The former Bellator champion was expected to take on Conor McGregor in 2023 after competing in season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, where they were paired as coaches opposite each other.

However, several obstacles, most notably McGregor's difficulties with USADA, prevented their fight from taking place.

This year's UFC 303 pay-per-view event was supposed to feature their much-awaited fight. However, McGregor was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a toe injury he suffered during training.

After a lot of speculation, Chandler is finally ready to get back in the octagon in a lightweight bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, against whom he was knocked out at UFC 262 three years prior.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Chandler expressed his thoughts on facing Makhachev and shared a potential timeline of their fight, saying:

''It would be a big fight...Islam doesn't want to fight some of these guys that he has fought before, he wants new blood...and I am that guy. I think I've got a great style to beat Islam, as I said, good old fashioned, passionate, hardworking Missouri division one wrestling beats Dagestani Sambo every day of the week. I got got dynamite in my hands, I got cardio for days, I can push the pace, I believe I beat Islam.''

Chandler added:

''I believe I fight and beat Islam in early 2025...I do think Islam runs through Arman [Tsarukyan] is my opinion...because I want him to look like the baddest man on the planet, pound-for-pound number one when I go take his throne.''

Check out Michael Chandler's comments below (17:24):

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Conor McGregor backs Michael Chandler to win against Charles Oliveira

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor have been at odds for quite some time, but Chandler recently buried the hatchet, claiming that he was to blame for waiting for the McGregor bout.

With Chander's fight against Charles Oliviera announced for UFC 309, McGregor has backed the American to win, saying:

''[Michael] Chandler has a bit more knowledge of it now. I'd love to see Chandler deal with him [Charles Oliveira], to be honest. We have to settle this, me and the little fool of a thing. Let's see how it goes; it is what it is."

Check out Conor McGrgegor's comments below [via Championship Rounds on X]: