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.

Video: Michael Chandler has no immediate retirement plans

“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.

The next hurdle

Arguably the biggest hurdle of Michael Chandler’s career awaits him next month as he gears up for a meeting with Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.

Read more: UFC 281: Fight Card, tickets, date and more

The pair have had some bad blood in recent times stemming from remarks made on both sides, but in the present day, the one primary goal for both is to get back to a place whereby they can try and become UFC lightweight champion.

Given their history of putting on absolute bangers, it’s not hard to picture this being a Fight of the Night contender at Madison Square Garden.