He wants to measure swords with the current champion.
measure swords with
idiomTo match one's abilities against an antagonist's.
The young lawyer prepared for weeks because she knew she would soon measure swords with a veteran prosecutor.
The two rivals, long accustomed to their separate spheres of influence, finally met in the boardroom to measure swords with one another over the future of the company.
- 01
beat one's swords into ploughshares
To refrain from destructive military or paramilitary acts (war, terrorism, etc.) and put energy and resources to peaceful ends that would otherwise go to violence.
- 02
cross swords
To quarrel or argue with someone; to have a dispute with someone.
- 03
in no small measure
To a very great extent.
- 04
last full measure
A person's life, when lost through death in service to a nation or cause, particularly as a member of a military force in war or a semi-militarized organization such as a police force or civil defense corps, e.g. fire departments. May also be applied to some dangerous government and civil occupations such as espionage.
- 05
measure the drapes
To make premature or unwarranted preparations for victory, especially election to public office.
- 06
measure up
To meet expectations; to be as good as.