UFC 281: Michael Chandler feels "a little peculiar" about Alexander Volkanovski getting a possible title shot against Islam Makhachev
Michael Chandler has put forth his take regarding a potential super-fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. The consensus is that reigning UFC lightweight (155-pound) champion Makhachev could defend his title against UFC featherweight (145-pound) champion Volkanovski next.
UFC lightweight Michael Chandler recently suggested that he wasn't in favor of Volkanovski fighting for the title right away. In his latest interview with TMZ Sports, 'Iron' alluded to the fact that the UFC's No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter Volkanovski could leapfrog him into a title fight against Makhachev:
"I wouldn't say I'm upset. It's definitely a little peculiar. But then again, Volkanovski has looked unbeatable at 145. He's talked and teased about coming up to 155. So, I've kind of seen the writing on the wall for a while."
Chandler noted that he'll let the UFC decide whether they want to move forward with Makhachev vs. Volkanovski. 'Iron' further indicated that he's currently focused on beating Dustin Poirier in their lightweight bout that'll take place at UFC 281 tonight (November 12th, 2022).
Moreover, Chandler asserted that he aims to emphatically defeat Poirier and earn a lightweight title shot. The NCAA Division I All-American wrestler emphasized that he foresees himself as the only lightweight who can stop the Sambo and wrestling attacks of Dagestan's Islam Makhachev:
"Ultimately, I think when you look at Islam and his strengths, there's nobody else on the roster inside the top-five, top-ten, that has the wrestling and grappling ability like I do. Former Division I All-American, Justin Gaethje is as well, but we haven't really seen him use his [wrestling] as well. So, I think I'm the guy to stop Islam's Dagestani Sambo Wrestling attack."
Watch Chandler discuss the topic at 3:14 in the video below:
Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith view Alexander Volkanovski as a legitimate threat to Islam Makhachev
It's believed that a possible Makhachev-Volkanovski matchup could transpire at UFC 284 on February 12th, 2023, in 'Volk's' native Australia. On Michael Bisping's Believe You Me podcast, Bisping and UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith highlighted why Alexander Volkanovski poses a threat to Islam Makhachev's lightweight title reign.
Alex Volkanovski in Australia 
THIS WOULD BE MEGA! 😍
Islam Makhachev 🆚 Alex Volkanovski in Australia 🇦🇺
Both titles on the line 🏆🏆
P4P ranking on the line ✅
@MAKHACHEVMMA 🤝 @alexvolkanovski
#UFC280 #UFC #MMA https://t.co/YW7Zybxc99
Anthony Smith insinuated that Alexander Volkanovski's strength and short stature would make it difficult for Islam Makhachev to get under him and take him down. Meanwhile, MMA legend Michael Bisping echoed similar sentiments. Opining that it'd be an interesting fight, Bisping explained:
"Islam was calling him the short guy, wasn't he? But because he is short, the lower center of gravity and Volkanovski is a strong little bast*rd and he's going to be going up a weight class, so he might be even stronger."
Watch the podcast episode below: