Who Should Michael Chandler Fight Next? Latest Odds

Michael Chandler has lost 3 straight (5 of his last 6), and what he brings to the lightweight division now is debatable. He’s no longer matching the damage.

See You at the Top

Thirty-nine-year-old American mixed martial artist Michael Chandler currently competes in the UFC lightweight division. As of this early-May writing, he is 23-10 in UFC fights, but lost in his latest fight against Paddy Pimblett in the third round at UFC 314 last month. It was a third consecutive loss, fifth defeat in his last half-dozen bouts dating back to May 2021 (he debuted in UFC earlier in 2021).

Prior to Pimblett, Chandler lost to Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira (twice), and Justin Gaethje, with a win over Tony Ferguson in between.

Chandler is dropping five places to 12th in the lightweight rankings.

Immediately after the beating Chandler sustained against Pimblett, many in the MMA world said Chandler needs to retire. Against Pimblett, it was a solid beginning, but nothing when it counted. There are few even discussing the prospect of Michael Chandler’s next fight. 

Here’s a bit of a primer on Michael Chandler and the UFC…

What Cities Will the UFC Be in 2025?

If you’re looking down the road at the immediate 2025 UFC schedule, UFC 316 is returning stateside June 7th at the Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.). UFC 317 goes back to Las Vegas (June 28th), then it’s off to the Big Easy as New Orleans hosts UFC 318 (July 19th).

Should Michael Chandler Retire?

As was mentioned, Michael Chandler’s record is 23-10 with a trajectory that’s been poor lately (three losses in a row, five defeats in his last six). His pounding at the hands of Pimblett in Miami was so severe that the Florida Athletic Commission gave him a two-month suspension before he could again compete in that state. That’s never good.

There’s been chatter (friends, foes, and even former champions) about Chandler’s need to retire, but nothing has been finalized as of this writing. UFC CEO Dana White has praised Chandler as a fighter who brings the excitement, but stopped short of announcing any future Chandler bouts.

“Never out of the fight,” is Chandler’s response. However, the fight may be out of him.

Does BetUS Offer Constant Updates on UFC Betting Odds?

Indeed, with a quick look at the BetUS site, I found countless UFC odds. Winners (and length) of individual bouts (with method of victory), along with any number of future wagers, are available. Figure any UFC numbered card or ‘Fight Night’ to have odds and props associated with it.

As was mentioned, in the days leading to UFC 315 at Bell Centre in Montreal, Belal Muhammad is a 5-9 (-180) favorite to retain his welterweight title in the main event against the 3-2 (+150) underdog Jack Della Maddalena. Remember that all odds are fluid, so do some homework and check the board before you wager.

Any Final Thoughts?

Anyone who pays even marginal attention to mixed martial arts has a passing interest in Michael Chandler’s next fight, if there is to be another one. The Chander saga (in the days before UFC 315) is one of the bigger storylines out there.