After his brutal loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 this past Saturday, Michael Chandler has received calls to retire from the sport.
The stakes for the UFC 314 co-main event were increased a few days out when Conor McGregor declared his interest in fighting the winner.
Paddy Pimblett went on to pick up the biggest win of his career thus far when he brutally stopped Chandler with ground-and-pound in the third round.
McGregor reacted to the loss after placing a huge $50,000 bet on Michael Chandler to win the fight by KO, admitting that his history with ‘Iron’ influenced his pick, even though he thought Pimblett would win.
Michael Chandler cryptically answers retirement calls
With the loss, Chandler is now on a three-fight losing streak and is 1-5 in his last six UFC fights, and despite him being a fan favorite because of his fight style, there have been calls for him to retire.
Despite the several calls for him to rethink his career in the UFC, the former UFC title challenger has cryptically given his thoughts on retirement in a post on his social media just days removed from his brutal loss.
“There are really no words to describe the pain and disappointment you feel… You just live in it… Let it take its lot and leave you with what is left. From there, you rebuild,” Chandler began his statement.
“The best you can do is move forward with confident expectancy and pride in the attempt. One thing is certain, I can rest knowing that I prepared the best I could and I alone was responsible for my shortcomings in that Octagon.
“My team prepared me. The UFC gave me the opportunity. I stepped into the ultimate proving grounds, ready. Bested, but never beaten. Never out of the fight. Still in pursuit.
“Bruised, bloodied, and heartbroken, yet I have my soulmate by my side and three little hands to hold. Future is still bright. Walk on. See you at the top!” Chandler continued.
What’s next for Michael Chandler following statement?
With the 38-year-old seemingly not considering the calls for retirement, that begs the question as to what is next for ‘Iron’ Chandler.
It is unlikely that the UFC will feed Chandler to another young and hungry lightweight, despite Chandler likely welcoming that potential challenge again.
The route that is more likely for Chandler at this point in his career is that he will fight against another legend in what could potentially be a double retirement fight.
Former UFC star Donald Cerrone is plotting his comeback to the promotion, and that is a fight that could make a lot of sense for both fighters.
