Michael Chandler’s hopes of becoming the UFC lightweight champion were seriously impacted by his losses to Paddy Pimblett and Charles Oliveira, leaving him sidelined just as new title opportunities arise at 155 pounds. As Ilia Topuria prepares to challenge Oliveira at UFC 317, Chandler openly reflects on how these defeats have altered his path in the division.
How Consecutive Defeats Derailed Chandler’s Lightweight Title Bid
Michael Chandler came close to capturing UFC gold after a fierce battle with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, but ultimately Oliveira emerged victorious. When Chandler faced Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, many saw it as a chance for him to revive his title ambitions. Instead, the younger and longer Pimblett dominated Chandler, finishing him in the third round. This loss, compounded with lingering injuries, significantly hindered Chandler’s momentum toward a championship shot.
In a candid interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Chandler discussed how a series of setbacks contributed to his current position away from the title picture. When asked if he was surprised by how things unfolded after Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight belt leading to an interim fight and the eventual matchup for the vacant championship, Chandler stated,
“No, I’m not surprised. You know, and I think maybe some of those rumors and stuff maybe played into my decision on why I wanted to fight Paddy. Why I wanted to get back in there.”
—Michael Chandler, UFC Fighter
Chandler’s determination did not waver despite the painful loss to Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida. His teammate Jared Gordon revealed that Chandler entered the bout while still recovering from a knee injury, which may have compromised his performance. Gordon reflected,
“The decision to take the fight pretty early was my decision and my decision alone.”
—Jared Gordon, MMA Fighter and Teammate
Chandler himself has acknowledged that timing played a crucial role in missing out on title opportunities. He confessed,
“Obviously, if you look at the timing, I should have had a win against Oliveira, I messed that up. I should have had a win against Paddy, I messed that up. I’ve had these great opportunities and they’ve just slipped through my fingertips. So, if I would have beat Charles, I would be fighting Ilia for the title right now, you know, but this the way the sport goes.”
—Michael Chandler, UFC Fighter
Current Lightweight Title Landscape and Chandler’s Position
The UFC lightweight division has seen significant shifts following Islam Makhachev’s decision to leave the 155-pound class for welterweight, vacating the title and opening the door for new challengers. Ilia Topuria, initially scheduled to face Makhachev, now prepares to contend with Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant lightweight belt.
Chandler, once considered a top contender, now watches as others capitalize on opportunities he narrowly missed. His career at this point reflects a series of ‘what-if’ moments stemming from the losses that prevented him from advancing to the title fight. As Topuria steps into the spotlight against Oliveira, Chandler remains on the sidelines, navigating the aftermath of his setbacks and considering his next moves.
Chandler’s Anticipated Bout With Conor McGregor
While the lightweight title fight eludes him, Michael Chandler has reignited excitement among fight fans by hinting at a potential clash with Conor McGregor. This long-anticipated matchup has faced multiple delays, including McGregor’s withdrawal from their scheduled fight at UFC 303 due to injury. Months after that setback, tensions and excitement among fans have only intensified.
Recently, Chandler posted on Threads with a cryptic message directed at McGregor: “Conor!!!!!” followed by the date “1/24/26.” This tease suggests a potential fight scheduled for January 24, 2026, reigniting hope for one of the sport’s most awaited showdowns. Meanwhile, McGregor has signaled his return to the UFC’s testing pool, posting a provocative message on Instagram aimed at Dana White and the UFC, fueling speculation about his upcoming comeback.
For Chandler, the prospect of fighting McGregor offers an avenue to pursue his legacy beyond the lightweight title chase. After enduring two tough losses and years of waiting, a high-profile bout against McGregor might represent the next defining chapter of his career.
The Future for Michael Chandler: Redemption or Farewell?
Michael Chandler’s career narrative is deeply marked by near misses in pursuit of UFC glory, which casts a somber tone over his recent performances. However, his willingness to continue competing and challenging top-tier opponents reflects his relentless spirit. Whether the next phase involves a potential redemption fight, a farewell bout filled with hype, or the long-anticipated battle against McGregor, Chandler’s journey remains a significant story within the UFC lightweight division.
As the sport moves forward, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Chandler can overcome his setbacks and once again position himself among the elite contenders. His journey underscores the intense challenges fighters face in a competitive division and highlights the fine margins between success and missed opportunities.