Michael Chandler may be forced to retire after his White House fight according to UFC legend

Chael Sonnen thinks June 14 could end up being the end of the road in the UFC for Michael Chandler.

While he missed out on a rebooked showdown with Conor McGregor, Chandler still had his wish to compete at the upcoming event at the White House granted.

The former Bellator champion will return from a 14-month layoff in Washington D.C. on June 14. Setting the stage for two title fights, Chandler will fight Mauricio Ruffy on the UFC White House undercard.

According to ‘The Bad Guy’, the bout is likely to be a make-or-break moment for the 39-year-old.

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Chael Sonnen expects a UFC White House defeat to lead to Michael Chandler’s retirement

While he has enhanced his reputation as an all-action fighter, things have not exactly gone to plan for Chandler in the UFC.

Since leaving Bellator to ply his trade on MMA’s biggest stage, ‘Iron’ has lost five of his seven fights inside the Octagon. Most recently, Chandler was knocked out by Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 last April.

Having lost three fights in a row, the veteran lightweight will be desperate to have his hand raised at the White House, especially given his staunch patriotism.

In the eyes of Sonnen, it’s crucial that he does so should he plan to continue fighting beyond June 14.

“Chandler will retire if Ruffy beats him,” Sonnen said in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel.

“He likely will, and I do not know if it will necessarily be his choice. Chandler is now 38 years old. Chandler is also gainfully employed by Paramount and is going to be part of the announcing team.

“Chandler’s one of those guys who still wants to be a world champion,” Sonnen continued. “So if he gets confronted with that’s just not in your future…he likely would say, ‘Fair enough. Give my spot to somebody else.’”

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Even with his struggle to secure wins inside the Octagon, Chandler has continued to tip himself for a return to the title picture.

‘Iron’ was inches away from becoming champion in just his second UFC fight. Chandler was KO’d by Charles Oliveira after almost finishing the Brazilian in round one at UFC 262 five years ago.

At this stage in his career, it’s almost certain that Chandler won’t be competing with UFC gold on the line again.