Islam Makhachev expresses frustration and recalls Michael Chandler's 'queue-jumping' in title fight

Islam makhachev is the current UFC champion and Michael chandler is a former Bellator champion. photo: SUPER LUTAS Montage

Despite never having faced Michael chandler, Islam makhachev carries a certain amount of resentment towards the American. The UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) won his title in 2022, but was not satisfied with being overtaken by a newcomer to the organization the previous year.

During a conversation with Demetrious Johnson, on the flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) YouTube channel, Makhachev revealed his feelings about his trajectory in the ranking and reiterated his indignation at seeing Chandler, who arrived at the UFC as a former Bellator champion and had the chance to fight for the title after a single victory in the organization.

“We haven’t had an easy path. Some people manage to skip steps, like Michael chandler, he came from Bellator, had a fight, won Dan Hooker and fought for the title. For me, that doesn't work. Of course it upset me, you know, when someone jumps in and fights for the belt before me. I've had a long road. I fought for many years, but then someone comes along and beats a guy who's not even top,” Islam said.

In the end, things turned out better for Makhachev, who, despite having a longer path, defeated Charles of the Bronx to win the title in 2022 and successfully defended it three times, against Alexander Volkanovsky e Dustin poirier.

Michael chandler, on the other hand, has only won two fights since his UFC debut. The American knocked out Dan Hooker e Tony Ferguson, while accumulating four defeats to Dustin poirier, Justin gaethje e Charles of the Bronx, twice.