Michael Chandler hopes to see one of his former UFC opponents get a title shot.
The former three-time Bellator champion will try to put himself back into the title picture by beating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on Saturday night.
In the meantime, he’s revealed who he wants to see get the next shot at Islam Makhachev.
The pound-for-pound number one is currently looking for an opponent after defending his lightweight belt by quickly submitting Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje went to war for 15 minutes at UFC 268 in November 2021.
Four years later, ‘Iron’ is fighting to save his career as a title contender in Miami this weekend.
Meanwhile, Gaethje’s spot in the top 5 is secure after his recent win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
Chandler hopes to see his old rival get a title shot ahead of the other top fighters at 155lbs.
“If I’m thinking with my heart, I want Gaethje to get a shot,” he said during UFC 314 media day.
“You know, Gaethje being the number one guy and putting that number one ranking on the line against Max Holloway for the BMF belt, and then losing that, so he drops down a notch.
“Charles [Oliveira] and I were the number one contender fight, but now you’ve got Topuria coming up, Poirier retiring, Islam talking about going up to 170. There’s a bunch of rumblings about that in the media and things that he has said.
“The coolest thing is just being a part of the most interesting division in the world.”
Gaethje is holding out hope that he will get the call to face Makhachev this summer.
‘The Highlight’ believes he has a strong case for a title shot for a few different reasons.
“I’m ready to fight in June,” Gaethje told The Schmo,
“I think Makhachev said he wants to fight in June. I’m hoping I get that call sooner rather than later.
“It’s been a crazy journey. I’m not at the beginning of the journey anymore, it’s towards the end.
“I’m 4-1 in my last five fights, only losing to Max Holloway. Oliveira already lost [to Islam]. [Arman] Tsarukyan really f—— it up, I don’t think they want to give it to him.
“I can see them giving it to [Ilia] Topuria. So, we’ll see what they do.”
