Michael Chandler is leaving no stone unturned for his upcoming rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The Missouri native is working with top-tier fighters, including former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, to ensure he’s fully prepared for his co-main event clash with ‘Do Bronx.’ Meanwhile, interim heavyweight king Tom Aspinall and special guest Adebayo Akinfenwa discussed Chandler in another light. Aspinall, who’s been watching Chandler’s training with keen interest had some interesting observations.

Chandler’s approach to fighting—essentially throwing strategy to the wind—makes him one of the most challenging fighters to coach, according to the Englishman. In a recent Fight Lab episode with TNT Sports, Aspinall shared, “I think Mike Chandler must be one of the most frustrating people to coach ever. Because tactics when he fights are completely out of the window. He just goes for it. He’s basically having a street fight with a pair of gloves on. It’s fantastic to watch.”

This all-or-nothing, almost street-brawl mentality does have its appeal and certainly plays to Chandler’s strengths. Despite the chaos in his style, his record speaks volumes—an impressive 23-8, including wins over top fighters like Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson and taking fighters like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje to the limit. However, despite this aggressive, seemingly reckless approach, Chandler has a well-thought-out plan for his future in the lightweight division, with clear goals and a drive to reclaim the title.

Michael Chandler gets candid about his career trajectory ahead of UFC 309

While his matchup with Conor McGregor may be scrapped for now, Michael Chandler isn’t letting go of the idea just yet. In an interview with veteran MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Chandler discussed his future ambitions and his upcoming fight with Charles Oliveira, along with his “unfinished business” with McGregor.

When asked if a win over McGregor would carry the same weight as defeating other top opponents, Chandler responded candidly. “I don’t think people see Conor like they do guys like Charles Oliveira, Poirier, Gaethje, or Arman,” Chandler admitted. “But Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the sport, with unmatched star power. He deserves respect for what he’s done and who he is when he competes.”

Chandler, however, has his roadmap to the title all mapped out. His first step? Defeating Oliveira. Then, if McGregor returns, he plans to face him in March, followed by a title fight with Islam Makhachev in June. Yet, Chandler’s ultimate vision includes a showdown with Max Holloway, putting his lightweight belt on the line against Holloway’s BMF belt. “Imagine Chandler vs. Holloway at the end of 2025. My UFC lightweight belt against his BMF belt. We go from ‘Chandler’s inactive’ to ‘the craziest run in UFC history by the oldest lightweight champion!” Chandler declared.

Could Chandler turn these ambitions into an epic finish to his career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!