UFC Freedom 250: Is Mauricio Ruffy the End of the Road for Michael Chandler?
At UFC Freedom 250, 40-year-old veteran Michael Chandler faces a do-or-die career crossroads against dangerous brawler Mauricio Ruffy on what could be the final stand of his legendary 17-year run.
For 17 years and 33 fights, Michael Chandler (23-10, 18 finishes) gave his best. The three-time Bellator lightweight champion earned a reputation as a battler. However, at UFC Freedom 250, he faces a crossroads in his career.
At 40 years old, the Missouri native needs a win, something that he hasn't enjoyed since a head kick knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Since then, there have been three decisive losses, including two ugly finishes. UFC commentator Laura Sanko spoke to MMA Junkie about the veteran.
Laura Sanko on Michael Chandler Ahead of UFC Freedom 250 Sunday Night
"There's no other way to look at it," Laura Sanko began. "There's a ton of pressure on Michael Chandler. I think he does well in those situations. I don't think he crumbles mentally. He's fighting time at this point in terms of what he's able to actually execute versus the peak of his career, which is perhaps before he got to the UFC. It's an interesting matchup."
Chandler faces Mauricio Ruffy (13-2, 12 finishes), who isn't going to engage in anything fancy. He is a brawler who wants to stand and trade in the middle of the cage. Sanko believes that Ruffy's pressure will not stress Chandler.
"I don't ever count Michael Chandler out because he's the type of guy who is going to go out there and will bring the fight," she continued. It's tough to pump up his stats necessarily in terms of just strings of knockouts or strings of incredible wins."
Now or Never for Michael Chandler
Chandler can stand and trade, but should he? Ruffy possesses one-punch stopping power. Only two of his fights went at least three rounds. Chandler, in order to win, must fight the macho urge and wrestle, take the fight to the ground. For Chandler, there is no tomorrow.
The UFC will not keep investing in aging fighters who cannot win fights. When he left Bellator, he needed to prove himself. Now, on what looks like the last big fight of his UFC career, can he do it again?
