Arman Tsarukyan says Michael Chandler is "easy money" for Charles Oliveira, shares bold prediction for UFC 309 clash
After two years out of action, Michael Chandler is finally making his octagon return, facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 next month. Ahead of the clash, No.1-ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan predicted the fight, deeming it "easy money" for Oliveira.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Tsarukyan shared his thoughts on the Oliveira vs. Chandler fight. He said he believes 'Iron' is definitely going to lose and that it will be an easy fight for the Brazilian. 'Ahalkalakets' stated:
“Michael Chandler is going to lose for sure. It’s the number one easy fight for Charles Oliveira. He's either going to choke him out or knock him out. It’s easy money for Oliveira. I'm so happy for him."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below (4:41):
Tsarukyan notably shared the octagon with Oliveira at UFC 300. Both fighters enjoyed moments of success in their back-and-forth three-round clash, and ultimately, Tsarukyan came away with a split-decision victory.
Meanwhile, Chandler was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 303 earlier this year. However, an injury to the Irishman saw the bout fall through. The former Bellator champion subsequently accepted a five-round co-headlining bout at UFC 309 opposite Oliveira.
Arman Tsarukyan believes Islam Makhachev isn't the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC
According to the current UFC rankings, Islam Makhachev is the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter, while Jon Jones is ranked third. However, Dana White has disagreed with the same in many interviews of late, stating that Jones should be the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter.
In the aforementioned interview, when Arman Tsarukyan was asked who he thinks should be the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter, he asserted that Jones is a legend and agreed with White that ‘Bones’ should hold the top spot. He added that Makhachev can be considered No.1 once the heavyweight champion retires.
“No, he doesn’t deserve it… I agree the No. 1 pound-for-pound is Jon Jones because he’s a legend. He’s still fighting. We’ll see. Next month he’s fighting and if he beats Stipe Miocic, he’s got to be No. 1 pound-for-pound. Then when he retires, of course it’s Islam.”