TMZSports.com
Michael Chandler is making his UFC debut this weekend after years of kicking ass in Bellator … and the MMA star says he’s gunning to give Khabib something “spectacular” — and entice the retired lightweight champ back to the Octagon.
TMZ Sports talked to 34-year-old Chandler from Abu Dhabi … and asked about his “dream scenario” — is it a Conor or Khabib fight??
“I came [to the UFC] for big fights, of course, but I also came here, I want that gold around my waist. Having the gold around your waist, in turn, gets you the bigger fights,” Chandler tells us.
And, the guy with the title … that’s Nurmagomedov.
“I would have to say if I had to lean one way, I would go Khabib. You gotta get that title shot. Those are not easy to come by here in the UFC, so I would definitely choose that, but of course they’re all getting talked about after I win my fight Saturday night.”
Chandler — whose beaten guys like Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson (twice) — takes on #6 ranked lightweight, Dan Hooker (wins over Paul Felder, Gilbert Burns) on Fight Island.
Of course, Dana White recently met with Khabib on Fight island … and said the 29-0 fighter was looking for something “spectacular” from Conor, Poirier, Hooker or Chandler — in order to consider returning to fight.
“‘Spectacular’ is always my main objective when I step inside of that cage, and that cage door closes. It’s time to work, and I’m always looking for the finish,” Chandler says.
From there … Michael would like to fight Khabib, take his belt, and then book a fight with McGregor.
But, first, gotta go through Hooker … and that ain’t easy.