Michael Chandler hopes Conor McGregor beats Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 to set up mega-money fight against him
UFC new-boy Michael Chandler is hoping Conor McGregor gets through his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.
The Notorious will face his old featherweight rival in a series decider on July 10 in the main event of UFC 264 in Las Vegas.
Victory in his rubber match with The Diamond will put McGregor back on course to fight for the lightweight title, which Chandler and Charles Oliveira will vie for this weekend at UFC 262.
And three-time Bellator 155lb champ Chandler is hoping the Irishman will have his hand raised after the Sin City showdown.
He told TMZ: “I want to see Conor come back, man.
“There’s nothing better than when a guy as big as Conor McGregor falls short, loses and then is able to pull himself back up and win. That’s a huge story, it’s a huge storyline.
“Obviously the athlete in me wants to fight the winner of it. The businessman wants to fight Conor, of course.
“But all of it hinges on me having a phenomenal performance on May 15.
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“So we take care of business and then we go there on July 10, enjoy a weekend in Vegas and see who my next opponent is.
“But either way, that’s going to be a good fight and I will be there for sure.”
Although he has one eye on a lucrative showdown with McGregor, Chandler insists he has the utmost respect for Poirier.
The 35-year-old said: “I will be in attendance in the front row there in Vegas on July 10.
“I’ll be watching, keenly, to see who my next opponent is.
“Dustin is a heck of a competitor, man. A consummate professional, great dude inside the octagon, great dude outside of it.”
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Despite having one eye on the winner of Poirier vs McGregor III, new fan favourite Chandler – who made a spectacular debut on Fight Island in January – is refusing to underestimate the in-form Oliveira.
He said: “Charles Olivera has cut his teeth in this UFC lightweight division over the last couple of years. 8-0 in his last 8 fights. [He has the] most submission wins in UFC history.
“He’s dangerous every single place. But then you also got the outsider, the dark horse, the newcomer in myself.
“I’m going to be carrying that American Flag, I come to fight, I’m going to keep you on the edge of your seat.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen whenever I’m inside that octagon.
“I’ve never been in a boring fight win, lose or draw. So UFC 262 will be top-notch entertainment for MMA fans.
“For everybody who’s going to be there, I can’t wait to feel your energy and hear your roars, and for everybody who’s watching out there who buys the PPV, I can’t wait to share this moment with you guys because we’re going to make history on May 15.”