Michael Chandler is not one of the people that compare Islam Makhachev to the legendary UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Many people seem to put the two together every time one was mentioned.

Michael Chandler was involved in the UFC 268 media as he prepares for his fight against Justin Gaethje. Khabib Numragomedov had an aura around him that Chandler doesn't see in Islam Makhachev.

“No, not even close,” Michael Chandler told MMA Junkie.“Are they similar? Absolutely. Are they brothers and teammates? Yes, absolutely. I mean, what Khabib has accomplished, it wasn’t Khabib’s skillset, it was the mystique that surrounded Khabib’s accomplishments inside the sport – undefeated and making every superhuman guy in the division look like a mere mortal. So, I wouldn’t say he’s the next best thing whatsoever.”

Michael Chandler doesn't see Islam Makhachev having the same aura but he does see the similarities. He still respects his abilities and believes he's a good fighter.

“I do think he’s very good,” Michael Chandler said. “Obviously the way that he dispatched Dan Hooker in the first round solidifies himself as a top guy. But when you start comparing those two, he’s just not there yet. This is his first time beating a guy in the top 10, and Khabib did it for however many years before that.”

Islam Makhachev is working on becoming the next Khabib Nurmagomedov by putting on a similar style. He suffocates his opponents on the ground while consistently hunting for the finish.

Michael Chandler may find himself facing off against Islam Makhachev in the near future.