Chandler criticized Tsarukyan's refusal to give up a title fight

American UFC lightweight veteran Michael Chandler has spoken out about Arman Tsarukyan's decision to forgo a bout with champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, scheduled for June 1 in Newark, N.J., USA.

"Tsarukyan just went out and beat Oliveira. Now he's the main challenger. But I can't understand why he didn't agree to fight Makhachev on June 1. I would have consented. Man, this sport is moving fast - very fast.

On June 1, you're going to see a lightweight title fight. And then a couple weeks later, you're going to see the biggest fight between me and McGregor, which is going to be much more serious than the Makhachev-Porrier fight. If necessary, Conor and I will go down to lightweight. The sport is evolving fast, so you have to take your chances and not miss them," MMA News quoted Chandler as saying.

"Tsarukian just went out and beat Oliveira. Now he's the main challenger. But I can't understand why he didn't agree to fight Makhachev on June 1. I would have consented. Man, this sport is moving fast - very fast.

On June 1, you're going to see a lightweight title fight. And then a couple weeks later, you're going to see the biggest fight between me and McGregor, which is going to be much more serious than the Makhachev-Porrier fight. If necessary, Conor and I will go down to lightweight. The sport is evolving fast, so you have to take your chances and not miss them," MMA News quoted Chandler as saying.