A veteran of UFC and Bellator MMA promotions believes that Michael Chandler might have mentally “checked out” from professional fighting.
Once a Bellator Lightweight Champion, Chandler has now experienced three consecutive losses in the UFC, the premier stage of mixed martial arts.
Since his victory over Tony Ferguson in 2022, Chandler has faced defeats against top contenders and former champions including Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and most recently Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
Pimblett`s third-round TKO victory over Chandler has raised questions about Chandler`s future. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping has indicated that this loss could be a significant blow to Chandler`s career.
Echoing this sentiment, retired UFC fighter Josh Thomson suggests that at 38 years old, Chandler is nearing the end of his career.
Josh Thomson Declares Michael Chandler ‘Done’ After UFC 314
Thomson, familiar with Chandler`s capabilities and having faced common opponents like Tony Ferguson and Benson Henderson, described Chandler`s performance against Pimblett as lackluster, stating he looked “washed.”
Thomson, speaking on “The Weighing In Podcast,” expressed his belief that Chandler`s prime is behind him.
“The reality is he’s done,” Thomson stated about Chandler.
“He is washed. He’s literally made so much money. He’s got one foot out the door,” Thomson added, suggesting a lack of motivation.
Thomson noted Chandler`s demeanor in his corner during the fight, observing “There’s no drive. Did you see the way he was in the corner with Henri Hooft? Henri’s talking to him. He had no reaction. There was nothing there…”
Josh Thomson Observed ‘No Push’ from Michael Chandler Against Paddy Pimblett
Thomson contrasted Chandler`s UFC 314 performance with his previous fight at UFC 309 against Charles Oliveira, where Chandler demonstrated resilience over five rounds. In the Pimblett fight, Chandler suffered his first TKO loss in nearly four years, which Thomson found surprising given Chandler`s history of enduring tough fights.
“The Michael Chandler that we knew was very comfortable with constantly fighting hands, constantly trying to spin inside the body lock. In this situation, literally settling on the bottom, literally just being comfortable just hanging out on his hands and knees just with no wrist control. Just kind of hanging there and letting himself get hit,” Thomson analyzed.
“Those are the things that when I’m watching as a fighter, he’s checked out,” Thomson concluded, emphasizing a perceived lack of fight in Chandler.
Thomson believes that despite Chandler`s physical shape, mental fortitude is crucial in fighting, and suggested it might be time for the veteran, who has been fighting professionally since 2009, to retire.
Rupert Hartwell