During a recent interview, a fighter currently ranked in the UFC’s lightweight top-15 took division star Michael Chandler to task. Claiming he is simply not a good fighter and is scared to take bouts against competitors behind him in the rankings.
Michael Chandler will go down as one of the greatest fighters in Bellator history. However, his jump to the UFC four years ago is when he finally became a mainstream name. In just six fights, he has turned into one of the most popular fighters in an absolutely stacked division.
Related: UFC Star Surprisingly Claims Michael Chandler A ‘Winnable’ Fight For Paddy Pimblett
He has grown to even greater notoriety in the industry by taking part in some of the best fights in the UFC over the last few years. As several of his clashes in the Octagon either won or were in the running for Fight of the Year. However, for as entertaining as the 38-year-old has been, his win-loss record in the company leaves something to be desired.
Chandler is 2-4 inside the Octagon and some in the division feel he gets too much hype for a UFC resume filled with losses. Specifically, ranked lightweight Grant Dawson. And during a recent chat with Fight Bananas, “KGD” took some big shots at Chandler in a hilarious rant about his fellow UFC 155-pounder.
- Michael Chandler record: 23-9 (11 knockouts, 7 submissions)
Grant Dawson tells Michael Chandler ‘You’re just not good at fighting’
“I think Michael Chandler is a coward wearing the facade of an entertainer,” Dawson began by saying. “I think he doesn’t mean the things that he says. You want to pretend like you’re this big entertainer; go fight Paddy [Pimblett]. I don’t even like Paddy. Fight me, [or] Benoit Saint-Denis. Fight Jalin [Turner], fight anybody you haven’t already lost to. Just get a freaking win.
“His only wins in the UFC are a non-tattooed Dan Hooker, so that doesn’t even count, and Tony Ferguson on a seven-fight losing streak. You are not good. Stop being afraid. He says I’ll see you at the top. Bro, you’re hiding at the top. Acting like this was all part of the plan, you’re just not good at fighting. You are a Division I national champion and you can’t stop a jiu-jitsu guy from taking you down? Dude, get out of here. Beat one guy that is below you and I’ll shut up.”
- Grant Dawson record: 23-2-1 (5 knockouts, 11 submissions)
After losing a rematch to Charles Oliveria in November, Michael Chandler likely will have to take a bout against a fighter toward the back of the top 15. These comments certainly make a possible matchup between him and Dawson much more interesting if the UFC chooses to book it.
Related: UFC lightweight rankings – Where does Michael Chandler land in our latest top 10?