Chandler: "Makhachev will beat Porye and Tsarukyan."

American UFC lightweight division veteran Michael Chandler believes that division champion Islam Makhachev will be able to mount two successful defenses this year.

On June 1 in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark, USA, the Dagestani will fight Dustin Porier. If Islam emerges victorious, his next opponent will likely be Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1 in the division's rankings.

"I think Islam will hold the title in the fight with Puryear. He will also hold the title in the fight with Tsarukyan. And I would fight Makhachev myself in the first quarter of next year," Chandler said on The MMA Hour show.

Recall that Chandler himself will fight Conor McGregor on June 29 at the UFC 303 show.