Michael Chandler hopes to see that one of his former UFC opponents will have a title shot.
The former triple Bellator champion will try to bring itself back to the title photo by beating Paddy Pimblett on UFC 314 on Saturday evening.
In the meantime, he has revealed who he wants to see the next chance of Islam Makhachev.
The pound-for-pound number one is currently looking for an opponent after defending his lightweight belt by Renato Moicano quickly submitting to UFC 311 in January.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler wants Justin Gaethje to get a title shot
Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje waged 15 minutes war in the war at UFC 268 in November 2021.
Four years later, 'Iron' fights to save his career as a title candidate this weekend in Miami.
In the meantime, Gaethje's place in the top 5 is safe after his recent victory over Rafael Fiziev on UFC 313.
Chandler hopes to see his old rival a title shot for the other top hunters on 155 pounds.
“When I think with my heart, I want Gaethje to get a chance,” he said during the UFC 314 Media Day.
“You know, Gaethje is the number one man and put that number one ranking on the line against Max Holloway for the BMF -Riem, and loses that, so he drops a notch.
Charles [Oliveira] And I was the number one contender -fight, but now you have topuria, Poirier who retired, talking Islam about going to 170. There are a lot of rumors about that in the media and things he said.
“The coolest is just part of the most interesting division in the world.”
Justin Gaethje hopes to combat Islam Makhachev in June
Gaethje keeps hope that he will receive the call to Makhacheve this summer.
'The highlight' believes that he has a strong matter for a title shot for a few different reasons.
“I am ready to fight in June,” Gaethje told the Schmo,
“I think Makhachev said he wants to fight in June. I hope I get that phone call earlier instead of later.
“It has been a crazy journey. I am no longer at the start of the journey, it is by the end.
“I am 4-1 in my last five fights, only losing Max Holloway. Oliveira has already been lost [to Islam]. [Arman] Tsarukyan really f— – it's not, I don't think they want to give it to him.
'I can see them give it up [Ilia] Topuria. So we will see what they are doing. '