Michael Chandler experienced a significant setback in his UFC career, suffering a TKO loss in the third round against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 this past Saturday.
In a departure from his usual fighting style, Chandler didn`t engage in a high-paced war and failed to threaten Pimblett with a finish. The 38-year-old veteran noticeably slowed down after the first round, allowing Pimblett to take control and ultimately secure a decisive victory with ground strikes.
This defeat marks Chandler`s fifth loss in seven UFC fights and his third consecutive loss overall. Following this performance, UFC veteran Matt Brown questioned whether Chandler`s peak performance years are behind him, while also acknowledging Pimblett`s strong showing.
Brown discussed on “The Fighter vs. The Writer” podcast, “I`m starting to wonder: how good was Chandler really, or is Paddy exceptionally talented?” He added, “Chandler has faced top-tier opponents and defeated some excellent fighters, especially in Bellator. But I`m now questioning if he was ever truly suited for the UFC. Perhaps he became too focused on living up to the `exciting fighter` persona Dana White described, or maybe Paddy is just that good. Pimblett certainly impressed last weekend, though I`m not sure if he looked like a future champion.”
Brown further elaborated, “It`s possible Chandler is past his prime or simply wasn`t a UFC-level fighter to begin with, and Paddy might be a top 10 contender. I believe both could be true. Paddy proved to me he deserves to be in the top 10.”
There`s a valid argument that Chandler`s prime years were spent in Bellator, and his move to the UFC came too late in his career.
While Chandler has delivered numerous memorable and thrilling fights in the UFC, he hasn`t replicated the championship success he achieved in Bellator. Brown, drawing from his own UFC experience, recognizes the elevated level of competition in the UFC, suggesting Chandler may have struggled to adapt.
Brown reiterated, “I question if Chandler peaked in Bellator. He`s a fantastic fighter, and I don`t want to diminish his accomplishments. I suspect his best performances were in Bellator. He might have joined the UFC too late, possibly past his prime, or perhaps he got caught up in the hype.”
He continued, “It`s somewhat like what I initially anticipated for Justin Gaethje – a fighter solely focused on delivering exciting wars. Similar to the old Chris Lytle, just aiming for `Fight of the Night` awards. Gaethje didn`t evolve that way, but Michael Chandler seems to have taken that path.”
Chandler`s future career path is currently uncertain.
Prior to UFC 314, Brown suggested that a loss to Pimblett might prompt Chandler to consider retirement, as a path back to championship contention would become extremely challenging.
Chandler has consistently stated his ambition to become UFC champion, declaring he`s “not here for a long time, here for a good time.” With three consecutive losses, another UFC title shot may be out of reach before his career concludes.
Brown speculates that this could be the end of Chandler`s UFC journey, unless a fight with Conor McGregor materializes.
“Chandler has made it clear: it`s championship or nothing,” Brown stated. “And it seems to be nothing at this point. If he`s true to his word, it might be time for him to retire, which seems evident. If he wants to continue fighting, there`s nothing wrong with that. He could be matched up in exciting, fan-friendly fights. His name still holds weight, potentially headlining or co-main eventing Fight Nights.”
Brown added, “Pay-per-view main events are unlikely now, unless Conor McGregor returns. A McGregor fight might be ideal now, with both coming off losses and without title aspirations. Perhaps a bare-knuckle fight against Conor? Chandler has a good problem – a big name with numerous options.”
Brown concludes that Chandler is at a career crossroads, and it`s reasonable to wonder if his last fight has already occurred.
“It pains me to say this about such a warrior,” Brown commented on Chandler. “But that`s the reality. He`s won only one legitimate fight in the UFC, and I`m not counting the Tony Ferguson fight as a real contest. What`s next for him?”
