Matt Brown: Michael Chandler doesn't belong in UFC after latest loss

Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown says Michael Chandler should be cut from the roster or retire after dropping to 2-6 in the promotion.

Brown, who holds the record for the fifth-most finishes in UFC history, criticized Chandler's run following his first-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC White House. The former lightweight title challenger has won just twice since his explosive 2021 debut knockout of Dan Hooker, with his only other victory coming against Tony Ferguson.

Brown questions Chandler's star status despite losing record

"With Michael Chandler, just his whole UFC run hasn't been anything to note," Brown told MMA Fighting. "He shouldn't be the star that he is in the UFC. How are you 2-6 and you're as big of a star as him."

Brown suggested Chandler would be better suited for smaller promotions if he wants to continue fighting. "If I'm Dana White, I either cut him or tell him, 'Look, you need to retire, bro,'" he said. "If he wanted to keep fighting, I think he would probably fit into other organizations. I would like to see him in bare-knuckle, Gamebred MMA stuff. He is clearly not a UFC-level guy."

Chandler has never competed on a Fight Night card despite his losing record, appearing exclusively on numbered UFC events. Brown retired in 2024 after scoring a first-round knockout of Court McGee in his final bout the previous year.

Chandler has not announced his next move since the Ruffy loss.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Ex-UFC fighter says Michael Chandler doesn’t belong in promotion