Ex-UFC fighter says Michael Chandler doesn’t belong in promotion

Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown has criticized Michael Chandler's tenure in the promotion, arguing the lightweight no longer belongs at the elite level. Speaking to MMAFighting.com, Brown pointed to Chandler's 2–6 record in the UFC as evidence that despite his star power, he does not compete at a title-contender level. Chandler (23–11) made an explosive UFC debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout of Dan Hooker, but has since managed only one victory—against Tony Ferguson—while suffering six defeats, most of them decisive.

Brown suggested the UFC should either release Chandler or encourage retirement, noting that other combat sports organizations might better suit his skillset. "If he wanted to keep fighting, I think he would probably fit into other organizations," Brown said. "I would like to see him in bare-knuckle, Gamebred MMA stuff. He is clearly not a UFC-level guy."

Brown (24–19), who retired in 2024 after a first-round knockout victory over Court McGee, holds the record for the fifth-most finishes in UFC history and the second-most KO/TKO wins. His latest criticism came after Chandler's lopsided first-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC White House. Chandler's declining results and inconsistent performance against top-tier competition have intensified debate about his future in the promotion.