This is further from the truth, imo. He played his cards right. UFC wanted to fuck him, leave him out of the picture, until Khabib retired. Wanted him to short notice fight with chandler at UFC 258 for title eliminator. UFC was prepared to give Chandler the title shot off the win against hooker to Khabib if Khabib had come back.
They wanted to make it inconvenient for charles to fight for the tile, but right place, right time, and he asked a fair price, maybe even bargain price to get the title shot. and the UFC won't pass on that. Tony probably made more money than charles last night. No champions so no ppv points.