Michael Chandler will not be thinking about a battle with Arman Tsarukyan.
The UFC light-weight challenged Chandler just lately, telling ‘Iron’ to ‘defend’ his rating in opposition to him. Following his win over Damir Ismagulov at UFC Vegas 66 this previous December, ‘Ahalkalakets’ discovered himself within the prime ten of the division. And together with his new rating, Tsarukyan set his sights on ‘somebody within the prime 5,’ which led to his callout of Chandler.
Throughout a current look on the Consider You Me podcast with Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith, Chandler responded to the callout. Although he can admire Tsarukyan for going after him, the Kill Cliff FC consultant mentioned his focus continues to be on a battle with Conor McGregor.
“I didn’t reply as a result of, I imply, I haven’t even seen him battle,” mentioned Chandler. “Not disrespecting or no matter. I do know he fought [Mateusz] Gamrot; I haven’t actually seen Gamrot battle both. I admire the callout. That’s precisely what I might do if I used to be him, however no thanks, man.
“I’m over right here speaking about Conor and TUF,” continued Chandler. “You assume I’m nervous about freaking Arman Tsarukyan with a silent T at first of his title? It was an excellent callout. Good for him, although. He was coming at me, however that’s not the way you get a battle with me, dude.”
Since arriving within the UFC, Chandler has had McGregor on his record of potential opponents. The ‘Infamous’ one has not fought since struggling a damaged leg in his most up-to-date look in opposition to Dustin Poirier. Nevertheless, his return may very well be imminent, as the previous two-division UFC champion introduced he would function a coach on the upcoming season of The Final Fighter.
An opposing coach was not introduced, however former UFC interim light-weight champion Tony Ferguson claimed he was supplied the position. As a result of that has but to be confirmed, Chandler threw his title out for TUF to arrange the ‘large’ battle between him and McGregor.
So far as Tsarukyan is anxious, Chandler persevering with to pursue McGregor and turning him down is sufficient to warrant a shake-up on the prime of the division.
“Kick him out of the rankings then,” tweeted Tsarukyan.
What’s Michael Chandler’s UFC document?
Since becoming a member of the UFC from Bellator in 2020, Chandler has gone 2-3 within the Octagon. He holds wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson and has taken losses to Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.
In regards to the writer: Kristen King is a author for Bloody Elbow. She has lined fight sports activities since 2016. (full bio)
