Michael Chandler on Fighting Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 300

“A fight against Volk is intriguing”

Alexander Volkanovki against Michael Chandler would be a phenomenal main event for UFC 300.

Earlier in the week, Volkanovski said he would be open to a quick turnaround at UFC 300, but it would have to be at lightweight.

Alexander Volkanovski: ‘I’m More Than Happy to Fight in the UFC 300 Main Event’

Most top lightweights are committed to fights, with one seemingly glaring exception in Chandler.

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Except, Chandler explained, he is also booked.

“I’ve signed on the dotted line and made a commitment to beat up an Irishman named Conor McGregor,” said Chandler. “My sights are set on Conor, but a fight against Volk is intriguing.”

In a fight that is over a year in the making, Chandler and McGregor are eventually going to fight. And Chandler says it will be announced sooner than we think.

“Right now, the focus for the UFC is UFC 300,” said Chandler. “But things move quickly in this world. We’ll see.”

A bout against Volkanovski would be spectacular. Volkanovski defends the lightweight title against Ilia Topuria later tonight in the main event of UFC 298. Chandler sees plenty of similarities between himself and Volkanovski, ones that extend well beyond their will to win.

“Volk and I come from two completely different ends of the globe, but we’re cut from the exact same cloth,” said Chandler. “There’s nothing better than a humble champion–humble in victory, humble in defeat.

“Also, he wears his heart and his emotions on his sleeve. After the Islam [Makhachev] fight a few months ago, he talked about being in his own head, struggling with doubts and insecurities. I’m a lot like that, too. We’re not Mr. Tough Guy, acting like we’re infallible. I love that about Volk. He’s dedicated to the sport, and he’s dedicated to being a champion of good reputation. That’s what I always strive to be, too.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Ferocity, fast chances, and explosiveness are all trademarks of Chandler’s bouts. That would only be amplified if he were to share the cage with Volkanovski. Unfortunately, Chandler says that will not take place at UFC 300.

”Volk is an awesome dude and I respect the hell out of him,” said Chandler. “I would love to test myself against him, either at 145 or win the belt at 155 and give Volk another crack at it. But right now, my focus is on an Irishman who needs to be humbled.”