Chael Sonnen Explains What May Push Michael Chandler to Retire in 2026
UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen has weighed in on what might compel Michael Chandler to retire in 2026.
Chandler is going to lock horns with Mauricio Ruffy on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. The 39-year-old originally wanted to fight Conor McGregor to complete their TUF 31 saga when the Irishman finally returns. However, Dana White had other plans for “Iron” and is no longer interested in a potential McGregor vs. Chandler bout in 2026.
Chandler, who is on a three-fight losing skid and has lost five of his last six UFC bouts, will now take on the surging and dangerous knockout artist Ruffy, and oddsmakers already believe “Iron” has no chance of getting past the 29-year-old Brazilian.
Chael Sonnen explains what might force Michael Chandler to retire
Chael Sonnen believes that if Michael Chandler fails to get his hand raised at UFC Freedom 250, he would choose to hang up his gloves. In a recent YouTube video on his channel, Sonnen said that “Iron” still wants to be a UFC champion, but with four back-to-back setbacks and still having crosshairs on the undisputed strap at the age of 39, it’s equivalent to a pipe dream. Therefore, if Chandler loses to Mauricio Ruffy on June 14, he might retire. Sonnen said:
“Chandler will retire if Ruffy beats him. He likely will, and I do not know if it will necessarily be his choice. Chandler is now 38 years old. Chandler is also gainfully employed by Paramount and is going to be part of the announcing team. And should he lose a fight, that would probably just be a point in Chandler’s career. Chandler’s one of those guys who still wants to be a world champion. So if he gets confronted with that’s just not in your future… He likely would say, ‘Fair enough. Give my spot to somebody else.'”
Check out Michael Chandler’s comments below:
