Michael Chandler, a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, has had a mixed record in the UFC since joining in 2021. He has achieved victories over Tony Ferguson and Dan Hooker, but suffered losses to Charles Oliveira (twice), Justin Geathje, and Dustin Poirier.
Despite being ranked No. 7 in the UFC’s 155-pound division, rising lightweight Grant Dawson believes Chandler should not be ranked at all.
“I definitely think there are individuals who don’t deserve to be in the Top 15, let alone the Top 10,” Dawson expressed to Inside Fighting. “Look at someone like Michael Chandler, who holds a 2-4 record in the UFC. Compare that to my 11-1 record in the UFC, assuming I defeat Diego Ferreira (at UFC 311 on Jan. 18).”
“It doesn’t make sense to have the 2-4 guy ranked in the Top 10, while the 11-1 guy is not ranked. They should remove Michael Chandler and give opportunities to up and coming fighters,” Dawson continued. “If Beneil Dariush loses to Renato Moicano at UFC 311, as he mentioned he might retire, then get him out of there immediately.”
Although Dawson is currently outside the Top 15 rankings, a win against Ferreira could potentially earn him a spot in the Top 15 rankings.
