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Surging lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has his sights set on one of the biggest draws in the division in Michael Chandler. The Armenian-Russian believes Chandler doesn't belong in the top tier of the 155-pound division.
In a recent jibe on Twitter, Tsarukyan referred to 'Iron' as a low-IQ fighter and called him out for a fight to defend his spot at the top of the division. The No.8-ranked lightweight tweeted:
"Hey @MikeChandlerMMA it’s time to defend your rankings! Lowest fight IQ in the division against new mma generation. I won’t see you at the top."
Arman Tsurukyan is currently on a tear in the UFC. In his most recent fight, he secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Damir Ismagulov. He is now 4-1 in his last five fights and looks set for a massive year in 2023. Still just 26, Tsarukyan has shown tremendous championship potential so far.
In contrast, Michael Chandler is 2-3 in his last five UFC fights. Although he has delivered some electrifying performances, the American's championship aspirations have suffered due to his all-action style of fighting.
The former Bellator champion has been actively pursuing a 2023 showdown against Conor McGregor. The idea of the duo coaching the next season of The Ultimate Fighter has also been floated around.
When Michael Chandler stated that he would beat Islam Makhachev
Although Michael Chandler has accrued more losses than wins in the UFC, the former NCAA Division I All-American feels he is a better fighter than lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
During a press conference for UFC 281 last year, Chandler detailed why he believes he would triumph over the Dagestani, saying that he could easily match Makhachev's wrestling and is a better overall striker:
"I honestly think my wrestling will stop his attacks. I think I can take him down, I think I can match him grappling for grappling and I think in the striking department, I've got more power, I'm faster and I have better hands... There is not a better wrestler on the lightweight roster than me... I think I match up extremely well, I think I beat him."
Catch Michael Chandler's comments below:
Chandler currently doesn't have a fight booked, while Makhachev is slated to take on reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Australia.
