Michael Chandler’s recent struggles in the octagon have provided an opportunity for his former rival, Brent Primus, to weigh in on his performance.
Chandler’s latest fight occurred at UFC 309, where he was defeated by former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Over his last six fights, the former Bellator star has a 2-4 record, with his most recent victory being a knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 in May 2022.
Primus and Chandler share a contentious history. Their first bout in June 2017 ended with the latter suffering a TKO loss. However, Chandler evened the score in their rematch at Bellator 212 a year later, earning a decision win.
Speaking to MMA Fighting in a recent interview, Primus didn’t hold back in his criticism of Chandler’s recent performance.
Man, he looked like crap in his last fight,” Primus remarked. “His footwork, he was falling everywhere. He was throwing his right hand like he was throwing a baseball. I was not impressed with his performance.
His callout was kind of cringey. I don’t like that guy. I think Chandler, he’s a cheater. I feel like he’s a dirty fighter. I just don’t like that guy at all," Primus continued. "Watching Oliveira pick him apart like that, it was kind of fun to see for sure.
Primus went on to describe his ex-opponent's loss as “embarrassing,” particularly in light of his two-year hiatus while waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor.
You sit out for two years and wait for somebody, that’s what happens,” he said.