Michael Chandler suggests he fights Islam Makhachev for vacant lightweight title, Makhachev responds

With Charles Oliveira chasing a money fight with Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler has a suggestion.

Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC), who snapped a two-fight skid with a highlight-reel knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, is ready to jump back into the title picture.

Having been stripped off his lightweight title for missing weight in a win over Justin Gaethje, Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC) will now serve as one half of the vacant lightweight title fight. But if Oliveira insists on fighting McGregor, Chandler is happy to replace him and take on the streaking Islam Makhachev.

“Hey Charles, do your thing, bro,” Chandler posted on his Instagram story. “Wait until Conor comes back. Do your thing, you know what, you deserve it. On a couple fight win streak, smashing through everybody. Why don’t you sit out, wait for Conor to come back.

“I’ll keep the division warm, I’ll keep the division going. I’ll fight Islam next. I’ll fight Islam next for the title, and then whenever you get your so-called ‘superfight,’ do your thing, get it out of your system, then you can come back to our division. See you at the top.”

Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC), who’s chomping at the bit for a title fight, is game to fight Chandler for the vacant belt if that’s what it’ll take to reach his ultimate goal.

“Easy money…title is the goal, no matter who. let’s go @MikeChandlerMMA @ufc.”

Easy money…title is the goal, no matter who. let’s go @MikeChandlerMMA @ufc https://t.co/8SOQxTSkfF

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 6, 2022

Chandler already fought for a vacant UFC title once before. When Khabib Nurmagomedov retired and relinquished his lightweight belt, the promotion matched up Chandler and Oliveira to crown a new champion at UFC 262. Oliveira knocked Chandler out to claim the lightweight gold.