Dawson Criticized Chandler’s UFC Ranking After UFC 314
Grant Dawson criticized Michael Chandler’s place in the UFC lightweight rankings after Chandler lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025. Chandler’s result did not itself remove him from the rankings; ranking positions are decided by the UFC’s voting panel.
The fallout from UFC 314 continues as Grant Dawson (23-2-1, 11-1-1 UFC) has publicly called for Michael Chandler (23-10, 2-5 UFC) to be removed from the lightweight rankings following his third-round TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett on April 12, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Dawson has long been critical of Chandler’s placement in the UFC’s top 15 lightweight rankings, arguing that his record does not justify his position. Chandler’s latest defeat marks his third consecutive loss and his fifth loss in his last six fights, leaving his UFC record at 2-5.
“I’ve been calling out Chandler for years,” Dawson told MMA Junkie. “I’ve always thought Chandler was undeserving of being in the top 15. He’s now 2-5, I believe, in the UFC. All good guys for sure, but we’re all fighting good guys. If Michael Chandler’s next fight is a big name, not an up-and-comer, I think the UFC is doing a disservice.”
Dawson’s frustration stems from the UFC’s tendency to book Chandler in high-profile matchups despite his recent struggles. Chandler’s losses include defeats to Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira, all of whom are ranked in the top five. However, Dawson argues that Chandler should be fighting lower-ranked opponents rather than receiving marquee fights.
Pimblett’s dominant performance against Chandler at UFC 314 further fueled Dawson’s argument. Pimblett controlled the fight from start to finish, securing a third-round TKO victory with relentless ground-and-pound. Dawson admitted that Pimblett’s performance exceeded his expectations, stating, “I thought he looked great. I thought he looked much improved. I, from Day 1, was picking Paddy to beat Michael Chandler, and I didn’t think he would do it like that.”
With Chandler’s ranking now under scrutiny, the UFC faces a decision on whether to adjust its lightweight rankings or continue booking Chandler in high-profile fights.
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