As Islam Makhachev heads into UFC 284 for his first title defense against featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, the Dagestani has his sights firmly set on the Australian. And although questions before the events are always centered on the fighters themselves, Makhachev had a few thrown at him that had to do more with Conor McGregor‘s return and his stint at TUF. Considering the Irishman’s stature among PPV stars, this was not surprising at all. What was more surprising was Makhachev’s response to the idea of McGregor and Michael Chandler facing each other.

The 31-year-old revealed his compelling perspective on why this fight was set to take place, even pinning it on Chandler’s ‘smart’ plan that landed him the role at TUF.

The P4P no. 2 is set to defend his title against P4P no. 1 Volkanovski on 12th February at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Makhachev on Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler’s similar losing streak

Surprisingly, the lightweight champ felt that if Michael Chandler did pull off a win against McGregor, the American would eventually retire after bagging the biggest purse of his career.

“Conor McGregor and Chandler. It’s good fight for the MMA fans, but if Chandler win, he’s gonna retire for sure. Make some good money and that’s it,” claimed Makhachev.

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But it was the 31-year-old’s statement that followed next, which surprised the people present at the conference. Makhachev felt that it was Chandler’s ploy all along to fight recklessly and earn the tag of being an entertainer for himself. This, the Dagestani felt, was why the UFC booked him for the TUF role opposite the Irishman.

 “But Chandler so smart guy because you know, I saw his last couple fights. He fight like crazy, you know, like he come from the street. But now I understand why he did this.” He then continued to claim that if the former Bellator champ would have beaten his last two opponents, this scenario would have never taken place. “Because if he beat Poirier and Gaethje, [this] fight’s never happen, you know,” stated Makhachev.

The lightweight champ even pointed out the similar losing streaks both the fighters have to drive his point home: “But last four fight they have same streak and lose 3 times. That’s why fight is happening.”

Makhachev on McGregor’s possible retirement 

With the former double champ returning after a long layoff, Makhachev felt that facing the former Bellator champ was a good option for the Irishman to mark his comeback. He believed that it was easier owing to the size difference and the fact that the fight could take place at welterweight.

Read More: Islam Makhachev Makes a Firm Prediction for His Upcoming UFC Title Fight

Additionally, he said, “Conor, he choose good way too. He chose like small guy..170…”

But it didn’t stop him from taking a few shots at the former UFC double champ. When further asked if he felt ‘The Notorious’ would retire after the fight, he pointed out his regular rants on Twitter and multiple retirements throughout his career. Makhachev stated: “Conor, everyday retire and everyday comeback to twitter. I dont know.”

Ultimately, retirement or not, Makhachev has his eyes firmly set on another fighter, who just like McGregor, is trying to set his claim on two titles. And come fight night, both these fighters will leave everything outside the cage as they battle for the number one P4P position.

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