Overview
- Chandler is scheduled to fight rising lightweight Mauricio Ruffy this Sunday at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in Washington, D.C.
- UFC analyst Laura Sanko says Chandler is under “a ton of pressure” and expects him to try wrestling more to close Ruffy’s long, range‑oriented striking distance.
- Ruffy comes in off a high‑profile February win and carries a heavy knockout record and a unique, McGregor‑style stance that analysts see as a difficult stylistic challenge for Chandler.
- Chandler has not won since his May 2022 knockout of Tony Ferguson and enters the bout on a three‑fight losing streak, making this fight consequential for his short‑term UFC standing.
- A win would restore Chandler’s momentum and keep higher‑profile paths open while a loss would likely reduce his bargaining power for marquee matchups as the promotion moves toward Conor McGregor’s July return.