Michael Chandler suspended from UFC after Paddy Pimblett defeat at UFC 314
MMA star has been suspended from fighting following his loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami.
Last weekend, Chandler suffered the biggest loss of his UFC career as he was beaten by rising star Pimblett, who won their fight via a third round TKO at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, Florida.
The result saw the American fan-favourite fighter drop five places in the UFC rankings, leaving him in 12th, while taking his record in Dana White's mixed martial arts organisation to just two wins and five losses.
Following the bout, it has now been revealed that Chandler has been suspended from stepping back in the octagon and will instead face some time away from the cage for one specific reason.
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Despite many fans thinking that Chandler would get through the fight with Pimblett with relative ease, the Liverpudlian dominated the fight, inflicting serious damage on the American who was finished via ground and pound late in the third round.
As a consequence of such a brutal defeat, the Florida Athletic Commission (FAC) have issued a medical suspension that will stop Chandler from competing in the state for 60 days following the fight in Miami.
Meanwhile Pimblett has been cleared to fight again immediately should he want to, though that remains highly unlikely, the 30-year-old instead expected to return in the latter half of this year.
Elsewhere on the card, Alexander Volkanovski has been has been handed a 45 day suspension after reclaiming his featherweight title in a brutal five-round fight with Diego Lopes, who will serve an indefinite suspension.
Controversial fighter Bryce Mitchell will serve a 30 day suspension following his second round submission defeat to rising talent Jean Silva who, like Pimblett, can also return immediately having finished the fight largely untouched.
While all suspended fighters will almost certainly sit out as expected, they can return early if they are cleared by a relevant medical professional.
Reacting to his brutal loss on Instagram, Chandler wrote: "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.
"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.
"My team prepared me. The UFC gave me the opportunity. I stepped into the ultimate proving grounds, ready.
"Bested, but never beaten. Never out of the fight. Still in pursuit.
"Future is still bright. Walk On. See you at the top!"
Topics: UFC, MMA, Paddy Pimblett, Michael Chandler
Ben McCrum