While the world expected Ilia Topuria to make waves in the lightweight division, it was Paddy Pimblett who stole the spotlight. The Brit hasn’t just turned heads in the UFC—he’s made noise across the entire combat sports world. ‘The Baddy’ delivered big at UFC 314, shaking up the lightweight rankings in the process. And with Michael Chandler seemingly at a breaking point, the division has never looked more unpredictable. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on.
UFC 314 has become the highlight of the year—at least for now. Meanwhile, the lightweight rankings have dropped, and this is bad news for the former Bellator champion. Famed MMA journalist John Morgan, known for revealing the rankings, took to X with a fiery update following the dust-up at UFC 314.
According to the new ranking list, Michael Chandler might have to introspect on his game plan since he was not only dropped from the top 10s, but he also dropped five positions down to #12 from #7. What does it mean for Paddy Pimblett? Well, the Briton had a big rise.
Yet to concede defeat under the UFC, Paddy Pimblett has finished 6 of his opponents within the promotion, making him one of the most looked-forward lightweight prospects in the game, and Dana White can see it as well. As per the lightweight rankings, Pimblett has jumped four positions up to be at #8th just below Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot.
Following #UFC314, @PaddyTheBaddy Pimblett is in the top 10 in the latest official lightweight rankings update.
Pimblett moves up four spots to No. 8 position, while Michael Chandler falls five spots to No. 12.
Additionally, Joel Alvarez replaces Ignacio Bahamondes at No. 15. pic.twitter.com/xT5wEFdNmA
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) April 15, 2025
This defeat should be a wake-up call for Michael Chandler as even his former opponent Conor McGregor appeared to have given up on him after losing $500,000 in a bet, “Chandler you mothe—-r you! Rest up, fair play. My history with Mike and the odds on him by KO swayed me to take the risk. My head did say Paddy. He’s improving but with a way to go yet. Although the division is woeful, it is equal, and equal brings good fights. So happy days, ya’s’r welcome. Ah well, what’s $500,000 to an M G like me, can you please remind me?”
As Michael Chandler rides a three-fight losing streak, his career is hanging by a thread. So, what’s next for him? Let’s find out.
What’s next for Michael Chandler after UFC 314?
Riding on a three-fight losing streak, Michael Chandler’s career is in trouble as the promotion might not want him to be with them for a prolonged time. Since his UFC debut back in 2021, Michael Chandler has fought seven battles within the UFC but has only won against a demotivated Hooker and a washed-up Tony Ferguson. The UFC diverted from giving heavy fights to Chandler when they pitted him against Paddy Pimblett, but it appears that it is not working for him as well, so what’s next?
Well, happy or not, a UFC veteran has come forward to give a single piece of advice to the former Bellator champion, and it is a retirement fight. Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo, in his statement, has ascertained that it’s time for Chandler to hang up his gloves for good: “Like, I really do. I think he should retire together with me, bro — maybe on the same card. That’s ’cause if I’m Michael Chandler… yeah, I’d retire, bro. That’s too many beatings, dude. He’s not even taking L’s, but that’s like elbow to the face — he’s always cut, he’s always bloody.”
He further added, “He’s going to be beloved by the people, but he’s lost all of his fights, man. And people just forget. People forget. I think at this point, he’s in my position — whatever the UFC wants, whatever the UFC is going to get them. They might give him a young, up-and-coming contender… and that’s when you’ll know what the UFC’s doing.”
Well, in addition to Cejudo, Dustin Poirier and even Robert Whittaker have come forward to raise concern for Chandler. Given that, what are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.
The post Misery Gets Added to Michael Chandler’s UFC Career as Conor McGregor Drops Explosive Verdict on LW Rankings appeared first on EssentiallySports.
