UFC legend warns Michael Chandler could be forced into retirement after White House fight

Chael Sonnen suggests a loss at UFC White House could prompt Michael Chandler to call time on his career

Despite earning a reputation for exciting performances, things haven’t exactly fallen into place for Chandler since joining the UFC.

Since leaving Bellator to test himself in the Octagon, ‘Iron’ has dropped five of his seven fights. His most recent outing ended in a knockout loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 last April.

The American lightweight will be eager to snap a three-fight losing streak in Washington D.C., especially given how strongly he’s spoken about representing his country throughout his career.

According to Sonnen, continuing beyond June 14 may not make much sense if he can’t get back in the win column against Ruffy.

“Chandler will retire if Ruffy beats him,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel recently. “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.”

“Chandler’s one of those guys who still wants to be a world champion,” Sonnen continued. “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.’”

Even though wins have been hard to come by lately, Chandler hasn’t shied away from talking up another run at the title.

The American was close once before, nearly finishing Charles Oliveira in the opening round of their title fight before being stopped later that night at UFC 262 over five years ago.

At this point in his career, however, another shot at the belt seems well out of reach. A defeat against Ruffy could bring an end to what has already been an impressive journey through mixed martial arts for Michael Chandler.