Michael Chandler faced a significant setback in his UFC career at UFC 314, suffering a third-round TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett. This defeat, characterized by Chandler`s unusual passivity and inability to dominate, has sparked questions about his future in the sport.
Following this loss, which marks Chandler`s third in a row and brings his UFC record to 2-5, UFC veteran Matt Brown has voiced concerns about Chandler`s current standing. Brown questions whether Chandler`s best days are behind him, while also acknowledging Paddy Pimblett`s performance.
In a discussion on “The Fighter vs. The Writer” podcast, Brown pondered, “How great really was Chandler, or is Paddy really that good?” He noted Chandler`s prior successes, particularly in Bellator, but questioned if he was ever truly meant for the UFC`s elite level or if he became too caught up in the hype surrounding his fighting style. Brown also assessed Pimblett`s potential, recognizing his victory but remaining uncertain about his championship prospects.
Brown suggested a dual possibility: “Chandler is either past his prime or just wasn’t UFC material to begin with, and Paddy is a top 10 guy.” He believes both could be simultaneously true, with Pimblett proving his top-tier potential.
The argument arises that Chandler may have peaked during his Bellator career, arriving in the UFC later than his prime. Despite delivering exciting fights in the UFC, he hasn`t replicated the championship success he enjoyed in Bellator. Brown points out the elevated competition in the UFC, which Chandler might be struggling to overcome.
Brown reiterated his point, questioning if Chandler`s prime years were in Bellator. He clarified that he respects Chandler as a fighter but suspects he joined the UFC past his peak or was overly influenced by external expectations. He drew a parallel to his initial expectations for Justin Gaethje, envisioning a fighter focused on thrilling battles over title contention, similar to Chris Lytle, which he feels now aligns more with Chandler`s trajectory.
Looking ahead, Chandler`s next steps are unclear. Prior to UFC 314, Brown had suggested that a loss to Pimblett might signal time for Chandler to consider retirement, given the difficulty of regaining top contender status. Chandler has consistently expressed a “belt or nothing” mentality and a desire for UFC gold. However, with three consecutive losses, another title opportunity seems increasingly remote.
Brown speculates that this could be the end of Chandler`s UFC journey, unless a fight with Conor McGregor materializes. He reflects on Chandler`s “belt or nothing” stance, suggesting retirement might be logical if he adheres to it. Alternatively, Chandler could continue engaging in high-action, non-title fights, leveraging his established name for prominent slots on fight cards, especially Fight Nights.
A potential matchup with McGregor is proposed, given both fighters` recent losses. Brown acknowledges Chandler`s predicament: a well-known fighter with numerous paths available.
Brown concludes that Chandler is at a career crossroads, questioning if his last fight has already occurred. He expresses reluctance to say this about a fighter of Chandler`s caliber but notes his limited UFC wins beyond the Tony Ferguson bout, raising questions about his future direction.
