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In Tuesday’s Bellator 165 media conference call, reigning Lightweight champion Michael Chandler (15-3) stated that he felt that the recent movement of talent between Bellator and UFC has enabled him to secure fights against “name opponents” to match his ambitions.

This weekend at Bellator 165, Chandler will defend his Lightweight title in the main event against former UFC Lightweight champion Benson Henderson (24-6) in what could be his toughest test to date and when asked what he thought about the influx of fresh talent into the Bellator roster, he seemingly welcomes the challenge with open arms.

”Its key. It’s absolutely vital. I didn’t come into this sport to just do well, I wanted to be great and I truly believe that I can reach new heights, reach people and do some great things, both athletically and in so many aspects. In order to solidify my legacy, in order to continue to grow my brand and accomplish my mission then I need name opponents,” said Chandler.

“That’s what I’ve said in the past and now we are seeing a very interesting landscape in MMA with different guys coming over and guys going to UFC. It’s cool to see the sport progress and it’s awesome to get the opportunity to go out and fight Benson Henderson or finally go up to Welterweight and fight a guy like Rory MacDonald. There’s no doubt there’s going to be more shuffling of the MMA promotion rosters and it’s great for me to go out there and go against a former world champion like Benson”

Meanwhile, Benson Henderson commented on the rumours that he plans to leave the sport at the age of 34 when asked about his future plans. He turns 33 tomorrow and although is still young in the sport, harbours a desire to serve his country.

“It’s looking that way, we’ll see how it all plays out but I do want to retire when I’m somewhat younger and speak coherently to my grandchildren.” Henderson stated, “The other thing is wanting to enlist in military service of some sort and the cut off dates for the different branches vary so I have a little bit of wiggle room and it doesn’t have to be 33 but that’s originally where the idea came from.”

Also taking part in the media call were Welterweights Micheal “Venom” Page (11-0) and Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) who also go head to head on Friday in the night’s co-main event.

Page was in a bullish mood, saying very little but having no patience for his opponent’s attempts at smack talk. When Gonzalez spoke about handing the Englishman his first loss of his career, “Venom” shut him down immediately.

“Im allergic to bullshit so there’s no point in me commenting”

Bellator 165 takes place Friday, November 18th at the SAP Centre in San Jose, California.