Michael Chandler: I still have my sight set on becoming a world champion

• Sports

A few days ago, the negotiations were finalized and the match between two of the best lightweight fighters, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, is scheduled for the UFC 281 event in the eleventh month, headlined by the middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira.

In his second appearance for the UFC, Chandler attacked the title. First, he knocked out Dan Hooker in his debut, only to lose to Charles Oliveira by technical knockout four months later in the fight for the belt. This was followed by a loss to former challenger Justin Gaethje and the match after which he brutally knocked out Tony Ferguson.

However, Chandler believes that he is only one more win away from another title shot, and a potential win over Poirier would, according to him, bring him just that: “I still have my sight set on becoming world champion,” Chandler said on The MMA Hour.

“I think I beat Dustin on Nov. 12, I think I’m the next guy in line. “I fight Islam or Oliveira first quarter of next year of summer or next year, whenever that fight materializes, and I’m your world champion by middle of next year”.

Chandler's prediction of Oliveira vs Makhachev

“I think Charles wins that fight,” Chandler said. “I think it’s crazy that Islam is the favorite. Aside from Charles Oliveira not making weight last fight, which was unprofessional – and I think even him will admit that and it’s not indicative of the way a champion carries himself – it’s tough to make weight at times and he missed it.

But aside from that, he’s looked very very good, finishing guys. “His hands have come a long way and just his overall confidence. The overall confidence Charles Oliveira has now compared to a couple of years ago, as I said before, somewhat looking at becoming somewhat of a journeyman.

Up and down, couldn’t be relied upon putting together good performances. He’s now turned that ship around and he’s our champion – well not technically our champion, but in everyone’s eyes, he’s our champion for a reason. I think he goes out there and beats Islam handedly”.