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Michael Chandler has made it clear that if he wins the vacant UFC lightweight title on May 15th, he will be willing to defend the 155-lbs belt against the winner of Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 3.
During his interview with MMA Junkie, Michael Chandler explained that he won't be the type of champion to call his shots and would rather give a title opportunity to either McGregor or Poirier.
'Iron' Mike believes that Poirier is currently the number one fighter in the UFC's lightweight division and a second win over 'Notorious' would guarantee a title shot for 'The Diamond'. However, if McGregor manages to avenge his UFC 257 loss against Dustin Poirier, then the Irishman will become the obvious first choice to fight for the belt.
āWhen I win the title on May 15, Iām not going to be the guy calling shots. Iām going to be the champion and I hold the belt, but Iām not going to be the guy calling shots. You just look at the rankings and you look at the body of work of Dustin Poirier, heās the obvious No. 1 guy right now. He chose to take the money fight and pass up on the opportunity to fight for the title, so if he does beat Conor, heās the obvious No. 1 choice. But if Conor beats the No. 1 guy, plus how big of a name he is, plus the star power of himself, plus when Conorās on and Conorās chasing the title, thereās not a spectacle more exciting in sports."
Michael Chandler added that if McGregor can run through Poirier or beat him in a dominant fashion, the Irishman will certainly establish his place as the number one contender.
The former Bellator lightweight champion even revealed that he will be sitting cageside at UFC 264 to witness the third and final fight between McGregor and Poirier.
āSo, he goes out there and runs through Dustin, or even beats Dustin in a dominant fashion, I think that makes him the No. 1 contender. Iāll be holding the belt, and Iāll be there (cageside) in Vegas, excited to see who Iām going to fight probably later on this year or the first of next year.ā
Michael Chandler will fight for the UFC lightweight title in May:
On May 15th, Michael Chandler will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 262. Whereas, in the headliner of the UFC 264 pay-per-view, Conor McGregor will step into the octagon with Dustin Poirier for the third time.
