Michael Chandler Feels The Pressure With Every Single Fight

Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler loves competing in the spotlight.

More importantly, though, Chandler loves being afforded the chance to compete in that spotlight.

He’ll do it again this Saturday night at Bellator 165 when he defends his belt vs. Benson Henderson on Spike.

While some fight for only money or titles, Chandler sees the MMA game as a whole.

“Every opponent is important. Every single time we fight, we’re putting ourselves, our livelihood, our records, and our reputation on the line,” Chandler said. “It just so happens for me, I get an opportunity to fight a guy who’s been a champion and has done some great things in the sport. But luckily, it’s the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I’m extremely excited to go out there and make a statement with this fight on Saturday night. He’s definitely a great, willing opponent, but I’m excited to go out there and get the finish.”

Following Conor McGregor’s UFC run to both the featherweight and lightweight titles, Chandler was asked his thoughts on becoming a two-division champion.

“I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. For me, I’m just looking for the biggest fight I can get,” he said. “I know there’s no way I could make 145 pounds since I walk around at about 190, between fights. So, I’m not interested in losing the muscle mass that I’ve worked so hard to build.

“If anything, I would jump up to 170 pounds, but right now I’m focused on my fight this Saturday night and I’m excited to get out there and perform.”