UFC 280: Michael Chandler cools Islam Makhachev hype ahead of Charles Oliveira fight

UFC star Michael Chandler has questioned some of the praise Islam Makhachev has received thus far in his MMA career.

With a 10-fight win streak to his name and a 22-1 record in mixed martial arts, nobody can deny that Islam Makhachev is very good. Ever since kickstarting his pro career as a teenager, he’s been on a mission to become world champion – and he’s pretty close to finally claiming that accolade.

Next month at UFC 280, he’ll go head to head with Charles Oliveira with the UFC lightweight championship being on the line. ‘Do Bronx’ is the de-facto king of the division right now, but a whole lot of fans and pundits feel like Islam is the man who can knock him off of his perch.

Read more: UFC 280: Date, Fight Card, Location, Tickets and more

It’s not going to be easy given that Oliveira has already beaten the likes of Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, whereas Makhachev hasn’t really got that kind of resume behind him.

One of the names on that list, Chandler, hasn’t been shy about his desire to lock horns with the Dagestani sensation at some point in the future, noting that he wants to challenge himself as much as possible during his time in the UFC.

Read more: Islam Makhachev reacts to huge UFC lightweight title fight challenge

During a recent interview, the former Bellator fighter went even further by suggesting there’s been some premature adulation directed towards the 30-year-old.

.@MikeChandlerMMA calls the praise of Islam Makhachev "premature." "He hasn’t really fought anybody. That’s really the truth."Full interview with @DamonMartin ▶️ https://t.co/4bKLWRJA4K pic.twitter.com/rFtfrzeN9i

“Nothing against Islam – you say he looks great, he looks unbeatable at times, but he hasn’t