Michael Chandler discusses what's next after Conor McGregor matchup
Michael Chandler is quite possibly approaching the biggest payday of his 14-year career in the sport when he collides with Conor McGregor, but the veteran still has championship aspirations. The former Bellator lightweight champion recently detailed what he expects to happen for himself next in both winning and losing scenarios against the Irishman.
'Iron' came into the UFC as a 34-year-old with an illustrious career with nothing left to prove, but that didn't stop him from cementing himself as one of the most entertaining fighters in his division. Five fights into his time in the octagon and the single time he went to a decision was the fight-of-the-year against Justin Gaethje.
During an episode of 'Walk on Wisdom', Michael Chandler insisted that a win over Conor McGregor will move him one step closer to realizing his goal of becoming a UFC champion, while a loss will only motivate him to do better.
"I think a win over Conor, after the fight build-up of the 12 weeks of The Ultimate Fighter and then a huge fight with Conor, getting a win [and] beating him in emphatic fashion—I hope it translates that way... So I think a win keeps me in that top 5. Maybe a number one contender fight [will follow] possibly, depending on how the rest of the division shakes out.
"You've got a couple of guys ranked ahead of me so I'd have to get through one of those guys. And then what will I do if I lose?... Keep my head up, [keep] getting better, and realizing that losing is part of the process."
Chandler's mental strength throughout the turmoil and disappointment during certain parts of his MMA career is often commended by fans. Check out what he had to say about his upcoming clash in the video below.
What does Conor McGregor want next after a bout with Michael Chandler?
After all these years, Conor McGregor remains the face of mixed martial arts and by far the biggest star the sport has ever created. But what's next for the Irishman as he tries to navigate through a run of poor performances?
Michael Chandler is a serious challenge for the returning megastar and will likely make it a grueling contest for the former two-division champion for as long as the bout lasts.
If 'The Notorious' manages to overcome the test laid in front of him, he has openly stated his interest in being next in line for a shot at Leon Edwards' welterweight strap.