Michael Chandler: What Can the Fan Favorite Do Next?

Michael Chandler’s UFC record may not jump off the page at 2-5, but to judge his career solely on that would be to ignore one of the most accomplished runs in MMA outside the Octagon. During his prime years in Bellator, Chandler went 18-5 and cemented himself as one of the top lightweights in the world, capturing the Bellator title multiple times and facing elite competition throughout. Known for his relentless pace, explosive power, and willingness to wade into chaos, Chandler has delivered some of the most thrilling fights the sport has ever seen. Whether in victory or defeat, he’s always brought a warrior’s mentality and a blue-collar grind that earned him fans everywhere he went. While it's a shame he entered the UFC just shy of 35, arguably past his physical peak, his legacy as an MMA great deserves nothing but respect.

Michael Chandler’s UFC tenure started with a bang — literally. In his debut, he delivered a brutal first-round knockout over Dan Hooker, a proven lightweight contender, instantly putting the division on notice. He followed that up with a title shot against Charles Oliveira, where he came inches from gold before Charles mounted a legendary comeback and submitted him. A war with Justin Gaethje came next — a wild, back-and-forth battle that earned Fight of the Year honors despite Chandler taking the loss. Just when it seemed like his run might be slipping away, he pulled off one of the most jaw-dropping knockouts in UFC history with a front kick to Tony Ferguson’s chin. Hopes were high again, and Chandler looked strong against Dustin Poirier — until he faded and was submitted in the third. After a long wait for the elusive Conor McGregor fight, which ultimately fell apart, Chandler returned to face Charles Oliveira again in November, where he was soundly defeated. Still, all those setbacks came against the very best in the world — until just a week ago, when Chandler suffered his most worrying loss yet: a KO defeat to Paddy Pimblett, a fighter many believed he would run through. It was the first time Chandler truly looked like age had caught up with him.

So the question now is — what’s next for Michael Chandler? At 38 years old with a 2-5 UFC record and his ranking slipping to #12, retirement isn’t far off, but it’s clear the UFC still values what Chandler brings: pure chaos, entertainment, and name recognition. Dana White has publicly expressed continued support, and it makes sense — Chandler never phones it in. But the matchmaking gets tricky. Do you feed him to a rising prospect? Pair him with another aging veteran? Or book a fun, fan-friendly fight just for the spectacle? Personally, there are a handful of matchups that make sense: Beneil Dariush, Renato Moicano, Rafael Fiziev, or the winner of Benoît Saint Denis vs. Joel Alvarez — all fights that walk the line between relevancy and fireworks. But the most compelling option? A trilogy of sorts with Patricio Pitbull. The two have a history from their Bellator days, when Chandler knocked out Pitbull’s brother, only for Patricio to return the favor with a KO of Chandler. Now that Pitbull’s joined the UFC and is coming off a loss to Yair Rodriguez, the timing feels perfect. Whether it happens at 145 or 155, it's a matchup built on storylines and legacy — a high-stakes, action-filled bout that could let one legend walk away with a final moment of glory.