MICHAEL CHANDLER has criticized Justin Gaethje for suggesting he was given preferential treatment by the UFC - insisting that his opponent has been granted plenty of 'Dana White privilege.
On Sunday, the lightweight champions will meet in a highly anticipated UFC 268 card at Madison Square Garden.
Justin Gaethje & Michael Chandler will be battling this weekend at UFC 268
in May, Gaethje has an axe against Chandler
Gaethje enters the 155 lb barnburner after Chandler's disastrous crack at lightweight gold in May.
Highlight believes that Chandler was the recipient of special treatment by the UFC brass. Iron has categorically denied this belief.
He stated to MMA Fighting that Justin Gaethje received the same amount preferential treatment.
"The same amount Dana White privilege. It can be called whatever you like.
He came from outside of the UFC and he came in to get a top five fighter right away. He would have won a title fight if he had beat Eddie Alvarez.
He lost to Eddie Alvarez which forced him to fight another couple of fights.
He's appeared in some major commercials. He has been in big fights. He has headlined events. We have shared very similar paths.
"I believe he deserved this because he earned it.
"He likely believes I earned it and deserve it, but he must convince himself that I am either seeking attention or that I am a fake and a phony. No matter what he says.
"More important than anything, a man who doesn't deserve my treatment so far." But you'll soon find that the older you become and the more you do things, the more people who ask for and accept opportunities will often make it farther than those who don't, or those who fight the powers that are. I'm not here for the power that be.
"I'm here fight the men they put me up against, Justin Gaethje is the next one. "Whether he loves or hates me, I know that he respects my feelings."
Due to their fan-friendly style, Gatheje vs Chandler was dubbed the "People's Main Event".
Fans will not be disappointed by the eagerly-awaited showdown, which Chandler was a three-time Bellator champ 155lb.
He stated that he believed the match-up was so similar.
"We both can throw power punches. Both of us gnash our lips.
"We don't fear fighting fire with fire, and we love to be in the fire. Both of us might be knocked out.
"We can only guarantee violence. It will be thrilling.
"Everyone in Madison Square Garden and everybody who buys the pay per view will be the beneficiary. We both receive bonuses. This is certain.
Gaethje (32), is excited to be back in title contention after a victory over Chandler.
ESPN quoted him as saying: "I'm going out there to try and break that dude as quickly as possible, and as violently as I can."
"Most Violent Man" and all the bullshit doesn't matter. I'm 22-3 with 19, knockouts. Which one of those other dudes can claim that? Which one of those dudes cannot say that they received nine bonuses in their first seven fights. Not one.
"I am the common denominator, and that is me." It's how I fight and why they pay me so much.
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