Michael Chandler is one of the biggest names in the UFC’s lightweight division right now. Following his loss to Charles Oliveira, he found himself in a tough spot.

The former Bellator champion now needs to work his way back up to the title in one of the toughest divisions in the UFC. No easy feat.

Chandler signed with the UFC back in September. He served as the backup fighter for the Khabib-Gaethje fight in October. In an interview with Brett Okamoto for ESPN, Chandler declared that it has been nonstop training ever since he signed with the UFC.

The lightweight officially signed with the UFC back in September. Immediately after, in the following month of October, he served as the backup fighter for the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight strap at UFC 254.

He fought Dan Hooker at the co-main event of UFC 257 in January and now Oliveira in May. Because of this overwhelming schedule, Chandler confirmed he would want to take a short break from competition to focus more on his personal life.

“I want to give myself a little time off. I want to enjoy the summer. I will still train every single day. Not going to be sparring and taking damage since I took damage in the fight,” Chandler elaborated.

He assessed the current situation at the top of the lightweight division. “We have Conor and Poirier happening. Beneil Dariush says he wants to take a little bit of time off cause he is having a child. Congrats to him on the new child.

“Tony Ferguson is going to need some time off. Justin Gaethje is in a tough position. He hasn’t fought since last October and there is not anybody for him to fight inside the Top-5 because everybody just got booked or is booked.”

Michael Chandler likely to return to action by December

For himself, Chandler looks at a turnaround during the wintertime. “But for me, I am not coming back before winter time at some point. It will be someone inside the Top-5. Somebody who’s gonna get me right back to the title,” Chandler said.

Chandler believes he deserves another shot at Oliveira since their first encounter was really close. He feels that one winning performance would take him right back to the title. What do you think is next for Chandler in his UFC career? Let us know.

READ MORE: What’s Next for Michael Chandler after loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262?