View the original article to see embedded media.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has his hands full on Saturday night, to be sure, but that isn't stopping him from taking a look at what might come next with a win.
Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) faces former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier (28-7 MMA, 20-6 UFC) in a highly anticipated matchup at UFC 281, which streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (10 p.m. ET) from New York's Madison Square Garden. Given the styles of the two participants, the matchup has clear potential to be "Fight of the Night," but Chandler believes there's more at stake than just bragging rights.
"Everything has led to this once again, the biggest stage I could possibly ask for: UFC, Madison Square Garden, and Dustin Poirier—arguably, I think, the most decorated lightweight we have on the roster," Chandler said at Wednesday's media day in support of the event. "Knock him off, get my hand raised, continue to stake my claim as the best lightweight in the world in progress.
"I've believed for years that I'm the best lightweight in the world. I've had some ups and downs and some losses, but everybody does, and I believe knocking off Dustin Poirier puts me in line for the title."
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
