Michael Chandler, a prominent UFC fighter, is urgently seeking a victory in 2025.
The former three-time Bellator champion is currently on a three-fight losing streak, having faced top lightweights like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira (twice), and Paddy Pimblett. This represents the longest losing streak of his mixed martial arts career.
Notably, Chandler has overcome similar challenges in the past, recovering from consecutive losses to Will Brooks and Eddie Alvarez with a decisive win against Derek Campos about ten years prior.
After his recent TKO defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, Chandler received a challenge from an unranked but notable lightweight known for never letting fights go to a decision.
Terrance McKinney Challenges Michael Chandler
Regardless of the outcome, Terrance McKinney has consistently provided exciting fights in the UFC`s lightweight division.
McKinney holds the record for the fastest knockout in a UFC debut (7 seconds in 2021) and has secured seven finishes within the promotion. In his professional career, he has only gone beyond the first round four times and has never had a fight decided by the judges, with all his losses coming via knockout or submission.
Following Chandler`s latest loss, McKinney publicly challenged him to determine which fighter is the most dominant in the first round.
McKinney used X (formerly Twitter) to issue the challenge, writing, “Your sons all grown up time for a new man of the house. lol twrecks vs iron Mike let’s see who is the best first rd’er in the lightweight division.” He also commented on Chandler needing a win, adding, “And if he thinks I’m a easy fight even more reason to take it he needs a W on a 6 fight losing streak.”
While Chandler`s actual losing streak is three fights, McKinney seems to dismiss Chandler`s 2022 knockout victory over Tony Ferguson. Ferguson notably ended his UFC career on the longest losing streak in the promotion`s history (eight losses).
In response to a fan mentioning Chandler`s 2-5 UFC record, McKinney stated, “We don’t count one of those Ws,” indicating he doesn`t consider the Ferguson win significant.
McKinney`s challenge comes after securing consecutive stoppage victories against Damir Hadzovic and Viacheslav Borshchev.
Michael Chandler Discusses His Return Timeline
However, McKinney and other potential opponents may need to wait, as Chandler has provided an update on his potential return date.
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Chandler explained that he is currently focused on adjusting to a new family dynamic following the arrival of his daughter.
Despite previously hoping to fight sooner after the cancellation of his planned bout with Conor McGregor last summer (a fight he waited two years for), the former Bellator champion now indicates he needs some time away.
Chandler confirmed his current status, stating, “I’m enjoying the summer right now. Nothing is scheduled. No names on the table. No dates on the table.” He added that he has instructed the UFC not to contact him regarding fights until at least the fall. Regarding his return to competition, Chandler anticipates stepping back into the Octagon “probably not till the end of the year, if not the first of next year.”
