Michael Chandler now has five losses in his UFC run, but it seems like neither of those losses has hurt him more than the most recent one at UFC 314. Lightweight veterans like Conor McGregor, ex-rival Dustin Poirier, and quite a few others put their money on the 38-year-old, but he couldn’t live up to those wagers. Despite the loss, Chandler seems pretty motivated as, in his recent statement after last weekend’s lopsided loss to Paddy Pimblett, he claims there’s more to life than what goes down inside the Octagon.

The loss to Paddy Pimblett was significant because it was his first opponent outside of the top 10. Michael Chandler got dominated both on his feet and on the ground, and no one is more ‘disappointed’ with that performance than the former title challenger himself. “There are really no words to describe the pain and disappointment you feel…you just live in it…let it take its lot and leave you with what is left. From there you rebuild,” ‘Iron’ Mike stated in an Instagram post.

Claiming to have taken pride in stepping up to the challenge and giving everything he could, Michael Chandler has taken accountability for the defeat. But he doesn’t feel like it’s the end of everything because what matters the most to him is his wife and his children, while thanking UFC for the opportunity and seemingly removing any hints that he’s done fighting.

“The best you can do is move forward with confident expectancy and pride in the attempt. One thing is certain, I can rest in knowing that I prepared the best I could and I alone was responsible for my shortcomings in that octagon,” Michael Chandler added. “Bested, but never beaten. Never out of the fight. Still in pursuit. And this picture sums up how I feel and what truly matters. Bruised, bloodied, and heartbroken, yet I have my soulmate by my side and 3 little hands to hold. Future is still bright. Walk On. See you at the top!”

Things were swimmingly well for Michael Chandler in 2022 because after his win over Tony Ferguson, he called out Conor McGregor for a mega fight. He would go on to have one more fight that year, which he’d lose, but Dana White would quickly pair him up with ‘The Notorious’ for The Ultimate Fighter 31 as opposing coaches, which would have culminated in him fighting the Irishman.

However, everything fell off after UFC 303 witnessed Conor McGregor pulling out due to an injury, and Michael Chandler losing out on his ‘red panty night’. That two-year wait did no good to the Nashville resident since he lost two important years of his UFC career, and when he returned, he racked up two losses on the trot. The defeat at UFC 309 to Charles Oliveira may not have stung much because it went the distance, and Chandler even created a memorable moment. But then UFC 314 came and went, and that one stung hard.

Well, we will have to wait and see what’s next for Michael Chandler, but it’s important to note that Dana White had high words for him despite his defeat. Moreover, the UFC CEO likened ‘Iron’s spirit as a fighter to that of a boxing legend. Let’s take a look at that front.

Dana White compares Michael Chandler to Arturo Gatti

There hasn’t been one fight in the UFC that Michael Chandler has not featured high on a PPV card. Many people have called it “Dana White privilege,” a term coined by Tony Ferguson. But it seems like there is a reason why the UFC CEO has always spoken highly of the former 3-time Bellator champion. During the post-fight presser last weekend, the 55-year-old claimed that he sees Chandler eerily similar to former two-weight boxing champion Arturo Gatti, purely for the entertainment aspect of the lightweight star’s fights.

“I mean, he’s always in the fight… Chander is like our Arturo Gatti, man. Every time that guy goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight,” Dana White told the media. “You know it’s gonna be a war, and you don’t know if he’s gonna win or lose.” Kind words from the boss, but can Michael Chandler repay these kind words with a win in his next fight? That remains to be seen.

Michael Chandler continuing his fighting career or not will be clear in the coming months. But then again, he can always join the UFC’s broadcasting team, like some of the other UFC fighters. After all, he’s got the charisma, and even has his own podcast. What do you think is waiting for Chandler in the future? Drop your comments below.