Michael Chandler believes he can stop the fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski

Michael chandler (dir.) comes from victory over Tony Ferguson. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Even with the duel between Islam makhachev e Alexander Volkanovsky verbally agreed, light weight (up to 70,3kg) Michael chandler believes that it can frustrate the organization's plans. On the 'media day' of UFC 281, which takes place next Saturday (12), the North American believes that, if he achieves a good victory over Dustin poirier, he can 'expel' the Australian from the race and face the division champion, thanks to his popularity and fighting style.

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“If there's one guy who deserves to move up, it's (Alexandre) Volkanovski. Obviously the selfish part of me says, 'I don't want that to happen.' I understand how this makes a lot of sense from a promoter's and UFC's perspective. You have number one pound for pound against number three. (Islam) Makhachev proved to be our champion. He is our champion and we have to accept that. He's a phenomenal talent, but I also think he needs to have his first title defense against a lightweight. He needs to go through one more lightweight fight before we start talking about superfights. I don't say this to say that the UFC is making a bad or wrong decision if they decide to let Volkanovski move up. When I win on Saturday, it will be undeniable that they will want to see the good old passion of American wrestling against Dagestan samba, Dagestan grappling. That’s what I hope we see,” Chandler said.

Number five in the lightweight rankings, Chandler has won two of his four fights since being signed by the UFC in January 2021. In his last clash, 'Iron' knocked out the veteran Tony Ferguson brutally with a front kick in the second round. The 36-year-old fighter has an MMA record of 23 wins and seven setbacks.

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