Michael Chandler talks about Alexander Volkanovski moving up to fight Islam Makhachev for the title

Michael Chandler isn’t one that would be too thrilled if UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski moved up to challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

During his pre-fight media availability, Michael Chandler opened up about the potential champion vs. champion bout and stated that he doesn’t want that to happen:

“I think if there’s a guy out there that deserves to move up, I think it is Alex Volkanovski. Obviously, the selfish part of me is saying, ‘I don’t want that to happen’ you know. I understand how it makes a ton of sense from a promoter’s standpoint, from the UFC’s standpoint. You got the number-one pound-for-pound guy in the world versus the number-three pound-for-pound guy in the world.”

The former Bellator lightweight champion also alluded to Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title reign and feels his first title defense should be against a lightweight rather than against a 145-pounder that's moving up:

"I think that he’s (Islam Makhachev) a phenomenal talent. I also think he needs to have his first title defense against a lightweight. He needs to get through another lightweight before they start talking about superfights. Once again, I don’t say that to say the UFC is making a bad decision or the wrong decision if they make that decision to let Volkanovski move up. But I think when I handle business on Saturday night, I think it’ll be undeniable that they’re gonna wanna see good old fashion American passion and American wrasslin versus Dagestani Sambo…Dagestani grappling. That’s what I hope we get to see.”

Check out the full pre-fight media availability:

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What's next for Michael Chandler?

Michael Chandler is scheduled to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in a bout that has all the makings of being a strong contender for Fight of the Night.

There could be a lot at stake for 'Iron' as a win over another top lightweight like 'The Diamond', could get him back into the mix for a lightweight title shot. A potential opponent could be Benel Dariush, who has been unbeaten in his last 8 fights.

If the winner of Chandler-Poirier fight Dariush next, that potential bout could realistically serve as a title eliminator. Another potential opponent for the former Bellator lightweight champion could be Conor McGregor, who he famously called out after his knockout win against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274.