UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje claims Michael Chandler is slandering his name in the media.
Justin Gaethje is furious with Michael Chandler for what he feels accounts to slander in a recent Instagram Live video posted by the latter.
Chandler alleges that Gaethje, the former WSOF lightweight champion, has turned down a fight on at least three occasions — but ‘The Highlight’ claims ‘Iron’ Mike is ‘talking out of his ass’.
Chandler exploded at Chandler on Twitter, insisting that the former three-time Bellator lightweight champ is slandering his name while Gaethje is currently on vacation.
@MikeChandlerMMA is talking out of his ass. I was waiting for the bout agreement 3 weeks into camp and wake up to news his daddy Dana gave him the shot. He’s been out of commission since the KO. What am I missing? I’m on vacay and this fucker is slandering my name. 3-4 times? ???
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) July 21, 2021
“@MikeChandlerMMA is talking out of his ass. I was waiting for the bout agreement 3 weeks into camp and wake up to news his daddy Dana gave him the shot. He’s been out of commission since the KO. What am I missing? I’m on vacay and this fucker is slandering my name. 3-4 times?” Gaethje posted with the facepalm emoji.
Gaethje, 32, hasn’t fought since his submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov last October, where he came up short in his bid to unify the lightweight titles in a title unification bout at UFC 254. This is the first time the Colorado-based knockout artist has revealed he is on vacation — which explains his previously unaccounted for nine-month absence.
Chandler is looking to rebound from his second-round TKO loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 and feels Gaethje makes for the perfect opponent in his comeback fight. Chandler is ranked #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings, while Gaethje, who previously held the interim belt, is ranked #2.