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Islam Makhachev: McGregor, Chandler Not No. 1 Contender Bout

James Herrick / UFC / February 8, 2023

Islam Makhachev: McGregor, Chandler Not No. 1 Contender Bout

Conor McGregor’s UFC return is on the horizon as he is scheduled to coach “The Ultimate Fighter Season 31” against Michael Chandler. A bout between the two is projected to take place once the season airs over the summer, which would place the fight in quarter three of 2023. Despite that, current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev does not view the fight as a No. 1 contenders bout.

“Chandler versus Conor, it’s a good fight for MMA fans,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “But both guys, from me, where I am now, we have between us (a) long way. It’s just a good fight for the fans, and that’s it.”
Quote via TheScore

McGregor vs. Chandler will certainly be a fan-friendly clash of violence. As far as the title picture goes, Chandler is closer to gold as he sits at No. 5 in the UFC lightweight rankings. Meanwhile, McGregor is currently unranked. Although, the rule for title contention is not equal for everyone, stars like McGregor and Chandler will probably be fast-tracked to the title.

It is almost impossible to determine what the UFC lightweight title picture will look like once McGregor and Chandler finally share the octagon. Based on the timeframe, the winner would not be able to fight until late 2023 at the earliest with the first quarter of 2024 as a more likely turnaround.

The lightweight division certainly will not be void of other potential title contenders. Beneil Dariush and Dustin Poirier are currently sitting near the top of the division. Charles Oliveira may be able to work his name back into the title mix with another win. Rafael Fiziev would be a plausible option if he beats Justin Gaethje at UFC 286.

At the same time, if the belt is defended several times in 2023, McGregor or Chandler would have an easier time of jumping the queue.

If the UFC disagrees with Makhachev’s opinion on the situation, the lightweight champion will not be hesitant to take the fight.

“My friends are going to be upset if this happens,” Makhachev said of a potential fight with McGregor, who lost to Makhachev’s teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the biggest fight in UFC history in 2018. “But I told you: If UFC calls me – I never choose someone. If UFC calls me, I’m going to be ready.”
Quote via TheScore

Michael Chandler Previews His Fight Against Conor McGregor

This all hinges on the idea that Makhchev is able to defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 to retain the lightweight title. If Volkanovski is able to become champion, he may have a different assessment of the situation.

An interesting aside is that Volkanovski has defeated every UFC featherweight champion other than McGregor. It is safe to imagine that Volkanovski would be willing to let McGregor cut the line to help him make history.

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