Michael Chandler suffered a tough loss at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, falling to Paddy Pimblett by third-round TKO in the lightweight co-main event. This defeat marked his third consecutive loss, bringing his UFC record to 2-5. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, in an interview with MMA Junkie, offered his perspective on Chandler’s performance and suggested the 38-year-old might be nearing the end of his career.
Cejudo, who is also on a three-fight skid, related to Chandler’s struggles.
“I’m 0-3 now, so I get it, Chandler,” he said. “He probably has to get one more and just consider retirement. That’s a lot of beatings, man.”
He believes Chandler had the potential to be a world champion but was held back by his approach.
“I think Chandler could have been the best in the world. He’s too much of a crowd pleaser and that has really bit him in the a*s.”
Paddy Pimblett had Michael Chandler in hell pic.twitter.com/BCQcov3h6T
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 13, 2025
UFC’s Next Move for Chandler
Cejudo compared Chandler’s fan-favorite style to that of Mike Perry, noting its risks.
“Mike Perry was a crowd pleaser, too. There’s only a certain time before the UFC just says, ‘Hey man, thank you for pleasing us, but we got to move on,’” he said.
He speculated that the UFC might match Chandler with a younger fighter next, a typical step for veterans on losing streaks.
“I feel like Chandler, they’re probably going to, at this point, maybe the UFC might give him a younger guy, and that’s typically what happens in this game.”
In the fight, Chandler started with a strong takedown but faded as Pimblett landed leg kicks and a critical knee in the third round, securing the stoppage. Cejudo, planning his own final fight before retiring, spoke from experience, adding weight to his advice. As Chandler recovers, fans and analysts await his decision on whether to continue fighting or step away from the sport.
