Michael Chandler has been seen as one of the top guys in the UFC lightweight division for a long time. His explosive fighting style, devastating wrestling, and magnificent physique have created a huge following for him.
His last few performances in the octagon have raised some doubts about potential title contention shortly. Given that he has lost in key fights, many are beginning to wonder if that may signal the end of his window in the title picture.
Michael Chandler’s Recent Record: A Struggling Contender?
Michael Chandler entered the UFC with great expectations after a distinguished career in Bellator. He wasted no time, knocking out Dan Hooker, hence making Chandler get a shot at then-lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. However, the journey hasn’t gone well in the UFC lightweight division.
Last Five Fights:
Loss vs. Charles Oliveira (Title Fight): Chandler faced Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title in 2021. He fought well in the first round but lost the fight by TKO in the second.
- Loss vs. Justin Gaethje: A grueling battle against Gaethje saw Chandler lose by unanimous decision. It was a fan favorite, but it erased whatever hopes he had for the belt.
- Win vs. Tony Ferguson: A spectacular front-kick knockout of Tony Ferguson qualified as a decent victory in Michal Chandler’s record. Ferguson had already been largely regarded as past his best, so significance for title contention was minimal.
- Lost to Dustin Poirier again in another big fight, he lost via submission, which went against him.
- Lost again to Charles Oliveira: Another shot against Oliveira, yet another loss; this completely erased any remaining shot he had at the title for good.
Clearly In His Last Five Fights With Four Losses, It Is Evident That Chandler Has No More Sway As An Intending Title Contender.
How Has Chandler Lost His Path For A Title Shot?
Chandler is widely credited with having wonderful natural ability. The record books say otherwise. For whatever reason, recently he has been unable to compete against the elite of this division. That is why the outlook on his being champion appears dim.
Failure Against Top Lightweight Contenders
The loss against Charles Oliveira took place on two occasions with a defeat against both Gaethje and Poirier, and simply outweighs any accomplishment of Chandler in overcoming the top-tier fighters in the division.
His Only UFC Win Since 2021 Is Against Tony Ferguson
Chandler’s knockout against Ferguson was spectacular; nevertheless, it occurred against a fighter already on a losing streak, a fighter already past the expiration date. The significance of this win is simply insufficient to even keep him in the title equation.
The Rise of Other Contenders
The challenge by Beneil Dariush, Arman Tsarukyan, and Rafael Fiziev is being sounded for contention for the title. With the Umpthe last series of losses falling against them, UFC is more likely to be open to new contenders.
Islam Makhachev’s Dominance
Many reckoned that Chandler would give a good push for really wrestling with the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Nevertheless, as he fell short at the hands of submission specialists Oliveira and Poirier, his future against Makhachev’s elite grappling does not look so grand.
Does it also mean still having a chance at a title shot for Chandler?
Even if Chandler’s present circumstances seem anything but promising, there are still some means by which he can catapult himself back into title contention:
A Rousing Performance Over A Top-contending Opponent
If he gets a sheen over a top-ranked player like Beneil Dariush or Justin Gaethje, Chandler will have the leverage for a title shot.
2. Historically Controversial Title Fights
The UFC grants title shots based on marketability rather than ranking. If Chandler puts up an exciting fight and creates enough fan buzz, Dana White might give him another round.
Injury or Other Unexpected Circumstances
In the case where top contenders are put on the shelf with injuries, Chandler could fill in somehow and perhaps score an unforeseen title opportunity.
The Next Course for Michael Chandler
Chandler’s immediate UFC scenario is contingent on the next step that he takes. Here are some possibilities regarding that:
Put Another Top Guy in the Lightweight Division
Chandler will need to defeat another Top 5-7 lightweight clear if he hopes to stay in the title talk. Other potential viewpoints include:
- Beneil Dariush
- Arman Tsarukyan
- Rafael Fiziev
Move Into the Welterweight Division
Because Chandler has a very strong and ripped physique, he could also consider bumping up to the welterweight division, where it might yield better results to breathe new life into his career.
Superfights and Cash Fights
If the title is out of reach, Chandler could line up for a few blocks buster against the likes of Conor McGregor or Nate Diaz for a hefty paycheck.
Conclusion
Michael Chandler’s exciting but difficult journey in the UFC lightweight division saw him suffer four losses in his last five fights, his chances of ever landing another title shot having plummeted drastically. However, nothing is impossible in the unpredictable world of the UFC.
If he brings a dominant victory to the next fight, then the doors to the title may remain open, but right now yes Michael Chandler is a flop fighter. Until then, he remains outside the title picture, waiting for the opportunity to prove himself once again.