On Saturday night time, Michael Chandler suffered his third straight defeat towards the streaking Paddy Pimblett. Chandler received sliced open by an intercepting knee and completed with floor and pound within the third spherical. Chandler’s UFC run has been very entertaining, however the outcomes have been removed from what Chandler wished. Now, at 38 years of age, Chandler finds himself in a tough place.
What’s subsequent for Michael Chandler After UFC 314?
Going into this battle, Michael Chandler was ranked at #7 within the Light-weight division, however with a defeat to #12 ranked Pimblett, Chandler now has to take an additional step again in competitors. Following his battle in November towards Charles Oliveira, he said “Probably the most ache I’ve ever been in my whole life, probably the most accidents I’ve ever had in a battle for certain. Peed blood, irritation throughout, my complete physique is swollen”, so many followers have been shocked by the fast turnaround. Did Chandler enter this battle injured?
So, what’s subsequent for him? A while off would possible do Chandler favours, permitting him to get better from two back-to-back robust fights, nevertheless, along with his age, a while off would possible not be ultimate. Who ought to Chandler battle subsequent, and when? A matchup with considered one of Renato Moicano or Beneil Dariush can be an excellent check. They don’t seem to be polarizing prospects, however revered, gritty veterans on the outer fringe of the highest 10. A perfect timeline for Michael Chandler would possible be the Madison Sq. Backyard card in November, or the final Pay-Per-View of the yr, in December.
This could enable Chandler to reset and get better from his accidents, and probably earn one other shot at one of many Light-weight division’s high fighters in 2026. Nevertheless, one other loss for Chandler would possible be the tip of issues for him on the high of the division. Many are discrediting Pimblett’s win already, however we have now by no means seen Chandler get fully nullified and overwhelmed up like this. In his prior losses within the UFC, Chandler has all the time discovered a option to have success, however on this battle, Chandler had little to no success. Pimblett placed on a career-best efficiency within the centre of the Kaseya Heart.
As for Pimblett, he’ll possible have earned himself a matchup throughout the high 5 of the Light-weight division. Pimblett is a large enough star to headline his personal non-title Pay-Per-View, towards the likes of a Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje. Paddy Pimblett known as for a high 5 matchup in his post-fight interview:
