Chandler drops out of the UFC rankings for the first time and sees his career reach a critical point

Michael Chandler is out of the UFC lightweight rankings for the first time since he debuted with the promotion in January 2021. The loss to Maurício Ruffy at the event held at the White House was the American’s fourth in a row – and the most damaging in terms of consequences for the future of a career that once flirted with the title.

How the defeat unfolded

Chandler had no chance on Saturday. Ruffy caught him with two spinning kicks and finished him off with a devastating right hand in the first round. The betting odds already pointed to him as the biggest underdog on the entire card. The result confirmed what the numbers had been showing for some time: “Iron” is no longer the same fighter who arrived in the UFC four years ago and sent Dan Hooker to the canvas on his debut.

Since that night and the historic knockout against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, the 40-year-old American has won only two of his eight fights in the octagon. Defeats to Dustin Poirier, two to Charles Oliveira and one to Paddy Pimblett. The Brazilian won five of his six UFC fights since debuting in May 2024 – the only loss came against Benoit Saint Denis, who faces Pimblett at UFC 329 in July.

With the American’s departure, Beneil Dariush and Tom Nolan move up one position, and Manuel Torres enters as the new 15th-ranked fighter. Ilia Topuria, meanwhile, dropped to the top of the line of challengers after being knocked out by Justin Gaethje, the new undisputed lightweight champion.

What comes next for Chandler

The American has not spoken publicly since the defeat. Only time will tell whether Ruffy was his last opponent. Before UFC 303 – the event at which he was set to face Conor McGregor, but which ended up being canceled – Chandler admitted he had considered retirement, but insisted he felt as good physically as he did at 28. It is hard to know whether that perception survives four straight losses.

McGregor himself, in a recent interview before his expected return in July against Max Holloway at UFC 329, admitted he wanted Chandler: “The guy waited a long time.” A loss for the Irishman could reopen that door. But for now, the trend is that “Iron’s” career is coming to an end – with a real legacy, but a bitter finish.