Michael Chandler teases welterweight move after hitting 200 pounds
Michael Chandler is done cutting to lightweight.
The former title challenger posted a video this week showing himself at 200 pounds and suggesting a permanent move to welterweight is on the table, per MMA Mania. Chandler, who dropped his fourth consecutive fight at UFC White House last month against Mauricio Ruffy, captioned the clip with "No more starving" and declared that bulking season had arrived.
Why Chandler is eyeing 170 pounds
The timing makes sense. Chandler sits at 2-6 inside the UFC's lightweight division and turns 41 later this year, meaning the brutal weight cuts to 155 pounds only get harder. His losses have come against elite competition, but the toll of draining himself fight after fight appears to have run its course.
Chandler remains one of the promotion's most watchable fighters regardless of results, routinely showing up in peak condition and delivering action. Whether UFC matchmakers welcome him back at welterweight after the recent skid is another question, though his name value and style could keep him in the mix at 170.
No official announcement has been made. Chandler's social media tease stops short of confirming the move, but the video and caption leave little doubt about where his head is. If he does campaign at welterweight, his first fight at the new weight class would mark a clean break from a rough lightweight run that began with promise in 2021.
Original reporting:
Get Ringside Updates
Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.