Thomas Tells Chandler To Retire After UFC 250 Loss

UFC analyst and coach Din Thomas believes Michael Chandler should retire after the lightweight's latest stoppage loss stretched his skid to four fights.

Chandler, 40, has not won since 2022 and was stopped in the opening round by Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 via spinning wheel kick. The defeat marked the third time in four outings that "Iron" failed to hear the final bell.

Din Thomas On Chandler's Career

Thomas told MMA Junkie that Chandler needs to leave the sport before suffering further damage. "I think he's got to make a decision on how he just wants to bow out gracefully," Thomas said. "It passed him up, and he's got to accept that and just be able to bow out gracefully."

The American Top Team coach added that hard work and self-belief do not guarantee success, calling Chandler "a classic case" of a fighter whose skills have eroded. Chandler captured Bellator gold three times across 34 professional bouts but has been battered in recent UFC appearances.

Thomas said he hopes the veteran can recognize that his prime is over so he can preserve his health and dignity. Chandler has not announced plans to continue or step away.

Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Original reporting:

• bjpenn.com — Michael Chandler urged to retire by renowned coach and UFC analyst: "It passed him up, and he's got to accept that" | BJPenn.com