Is Michael Chandler afraid of Islam Makhachev?

When you are a Lightweight contender in the UFC you are going to have to deal with answering questions about certain other Lightweight fighters from time to time. It seems Michael Chandler in recent months has been unable to avoid questions from the media about Islam Makhachev. Most have been about predicting Islam's upcoming fights. Chandler picked Oliviera at UFC 280, and we all saw what really went down. Now, Chandler is predicting Alexander Volkanovski to defeat Islam and become the "champ champ." Chandler claims he believes Volk is gonna win because "He used to weigh 200 pounds when he was playing rugby, your body doesn't forget that...you carry that power with you." Do these predictions derive from something else? Something other than the fact Chandler might think Volk and Charles are better fighters?

In my opinion, the answer is yes. Michael Chandler is picking against Islam out of fear. Deep down, Chandler does not want to face Makhachev in the slightest. Chandler has had his eyes set on UFC gold since entering the company a couple of years ago. As the fifth-ranked fighter, you are always a couple of wins away from a title opportunity, and with the way Mike fights everyone wants to see him fight for UFC gold. However, I believe Mike wanted Charles to beat Islam because he felt if they fought again he would win based on the first round of their first fight when Mike seemed like he was an inch away from stopping Charles. I believe Mike is now picking Volk because if he makes his way back to the title he'll have a much easier time defeating Volk. Chandler vs Volk would be a very fun fight and probably a lot better fight than Makhachev vs Chandler. The way Islam beat Charles it is hard to see Islam losing to anyone for a long time. As for Chandler, there were rumors of his next fight being Conor. Who knows what the deal is with that, Chandler vs Gaethje 2 could be interesting as both men are coming off a loss.