Islam Makhachev wants to do something that Khabib Nurmagomedov never did: Change divisions and fight at welterweight. That is one thing that would further solidify his legacy in the sport. So when Dana White got to know about the Dagestani fighter’s aspirations, he was on board with it, provided Makhachev won another fight at lightweight. Naturally, the UFC lightweight champion is seeking a ‘new challenge’, and Michael Chandler hopes to be the one.

Here’s the thing: Chandler is set to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, whereas #1 ranked Arman Tsarukyan looks like the next opponent for Makhachev. But if Chandler can get a win over Oliveira, he will climb up the rankings and perhaps challenge the champion.

In his interview with TNT’s Adam Catterall, Michael Chandler revealed his plans, which included a fight with Islam Makhachev and the lightweight title. Catterall asked him about the prospect of winning on Saturday night and whether a win would put him above everybody else for a title shot.

“It sure does and I think that is what is going to happen and I mean Dana has already called it a no. 1 contender fight. It is a title eliminator, I believe Islam beats Arman. Islam will be the champion after that fight, whenever it is. He has already fought a couple of guys in the division, he wants new blood he wants a new challenge, I believe he would love the opportunity to compete against me. I would love the opportunity to compete against him.”

“So, there’s a clear path I went on Saturday night. I become the highest ranked guy not named Arman or Islam. I become the #1 contender. I submit myself as the #1, the next in line for the title. I will leave the octagon at MSG on Saturday night, the next guy in line for the title and there’s nothing that can stop that and who’s going to complain?”

“I am going to be dominant on Saturday night and finally it will come to fruition. I am going to win the UFC title and it’s the way it is supposed to be. I was going to beat Islam for it, not Charles. But dispatch Charles on the way,” ‘Iron’ responded.

After being sidelined for two years, mostly because he was waiting for Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler seems ready to push forward. With the former Bellator champion in the twilight of his career, the time is ticking for ‘Iron’ to still forge his legacy in the UFC. However, it looks like Michael Chandler is quite aware of where he is in his career, and has formulated a plan for 2025 that may see him either rise to the top, or crash and burn.

Michael Chandler discloses his plans for 2025; He wants to create history!

In a conversation with MMA journalist Kevin Iole on Nov. 7, Chandler said, “Let me give you my road real quick, all right? I’ve already got it mapped out. Charles Oliveira, November 16th, I beat him, and I become the number one contender. I’m sitting cage-side watching Islam and Arman the first month or so of 2025.”

The best-case scenario for Chandler is to face the potential winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan. But what if there’s any delay on Makhachev’s end in fighting ‘Iron’? Well, Chandler has a Plan B.

“If Conor is able to come back, I can fight Conor and March, then I can fight Islam in June, in July, beat him. Same night, Max Holloway who has moved up to lightweight fights a top five, becomes top five guy, becomes the number one contender,” said Chandler to Kevin Iole.

Not just lightweight gold, but Chandler desires the BMF belt as well. “Chandler versus Max Holloway at the end of 2025. I put my UFC lightweight belt on the line, he puts his BMF belt on the line. We’re talking year and a half off, ‘Oh my God Chandler’s inactive’ to ‘Holy cow, the craziest run anybody’s ever seen in UFC history, and he’s the oldest lightweight UFC champion. That’s my story, that’s my vision.”

Interesting Fact: The oldest lightweight champion in UFC’s history was Sean Sherk, who was 33 years and 336 days old when he won the title at UFC 73. Currently, Michael Chandler is 38.

What do you think of Michael Chandler’s plan for 2025? Do you think it will shift the tides in his favor? Let us know in the comments section below.