UFC 281: Michael Chandler reveals future plans ahead of Dustin Poirier fight

UFC star Michael Chandler has pushed back against the idea of retiring from mixed martial arts.

At the age of 36, Michael Chandler has already achieved a great deal in this sport.

In addition to being one of the most exciting fighters in Bellator history, as well as a champion with the promotion, he’s been able to make a seamless transition over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

It’s been a little over two years since ‘Iron Mike’ made the jump and in that time, he’s gone 2-2 with the UFC.

Read more: Michael Chandler’s KO of Tony Ferguson from cageside was insane

Alas, that doesn’t really tell the full story, as all four of his contests were unbelievably exciting and all of them were ultra-competitive.

So while his losses to Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira served as setbacks, he’s also secured highlight-reel finishes over Dan Hooker and, most recently, Tony Ferguson.

Still, the lightweight sensation understands that he’s in the twilight of his career, which is why his answer to a question about his future was so intriguing in the following interview.

“I’m gonna stick around for a little while, for sure. I’m in here with the best team in the world, training against some of the best guys in the world. I’m outpacing 22 year olds in here. My brain and my mind and everything is sharp because I’ve been doing it for so long, I’m confident in my abilities, and I never get out of shape. I live a true health and wellness, fitness lifestyle.”

“I’ve got a lot of fights left in me, obviously I want to keep fighting the top guys. If I beat Poirier, I think I might be next in line for the title.”

Chandler went on to note that while he wants to keep fighting, he won’t be competing into his 40s.

Arguably the biggest hurdle of