Michael Chandler takes back his words after Islam Makhachev beats Charles Oliveira in dominant fashion

Michael Chandler was recently all praise for newly crowned lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

In an interview with MMA Fighting back in September, Chandler claimed that the hype around Islam Makhachev was "premature praise" as the Dagestani had not fought any top contenders in the division.

Giving his opinion on Makhachev, 'Iron' said:

“Nothing against Islam, you say he looks great, you say he looks unbeatable at times, but he hasn’t really fought anybody. That’s really the truth. He beat No. 14 and then he beat Dan Hooker, who was on a three or four-fight losing streak...I’m not saying that [Islam] not that good. We just can’t say that he’s that good yet. It’s premature praise.”

After Makhachev was crowned the lightweight champ at UFC 280, Chandler gave props to the Dagestani for his fighting prowess. 'Iron' admitted that Makhachev's recent performance at UFC 280 changed his perspective towards the lightweight champ.

Speaking in an interview with MMA on Point, the 36-year old said:

"Islam proved that he was who he said he was. I stand corrected. He is our champion and I hope I can go out there on November 12 can win my fight, and get that title shot soon."

You can check out Chandler's full interview with MMA on Point below:

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Michael Chandler is more deserving of the lightweight title shot than Beneil Dariush, according to John McCarthy

Despite the vast difference in their records, former UFC referee John McCarthy believes Michael Chandler is more deserving of a lightweight title shot than Beneil Dariush.

Putting forth his argument on a recent episode of his Weighing In podcast, 'Big' John argued that the former Bellator champ is far better at promoting himself as compared to the Iranian-born American and hence is more deserving of the title shot:

"Who deserves the title shot, the 3-2 guy or the 8-0 as far as what they've done? The biggest difference is: put a mic in front of Beneil Dariush and put a mic in front of Michael Chandler. And there's your difference. And that's why Michael Chandler will get the fight."

'Big' John continued:

"I'm not saying that Beneil doesn't deserve it. He does! I believe he does based on what he did. But the difference is... Look at Michael Chandler on the mic – he's gold. Take a look at what he did with his fight with Tony Ferguson."-he further added.

Watch McCarthy put forth his argument on Chandler being more deserving of the lightweight title shot in the video below: