Michael Chandler is one of the most explosive and dynamic fighters in mixed martial arts history. With an impressive wrestling background, heavy hands, and relentless pace, he has cemented his place among the elite of the lightweight division.

From his early days in Missouri to becoming a champion in Bellator and a top contender in the UFC, Chandler’s career is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and elite-level athleticism.

Early Life and Background

Michael Chandler was born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri, a small town located in Jefferson County. Raised in a hard-working middle-class family, Chandler developed a strong work ethic from an early age. His parents instilled values of discipline and perseverance, which became defining traits throughout his athletic career.

Chandler attended Northwest High School, where he became a standout athlete in wrestling and football. He compiled a 100-30 record in high school wrestling, earning multiple state championship appearances. His dominance on the mat caught the attention of collegiate wrestling programs, leading him to continue his career at the University of Missouri.

Collegiate Wrestling Career at the University of Missouri

Chandler wrestled for the University of Missouri from 2004 to 2009 under the legendary coaching of Brian Smith. Competing in the 157-pound division, Chandler was a four-time NCAA qualifier and an NCAA Division I All-American in 2009. He finished his collegiate career with a record of 100-40, proving himself as one of the top wrestlers in the nation.

During his time at Missouri, Chandler trained alongside future MMA greats such as Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. This exposure to high-level wrestling and mixed martial arts techniques played a pivotal role in his transition to professional fighting.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

After graduating from Missouri, Chandler moved to Las Vegas to train at Xtreme Couture, one of the top MMA gyms in the world. Under the guidance of Randy Couture and other MMA veterans, he honed his striking and grappling skills, preparing himself for a professional career.

After finishing high school in Missouri, Chandler moved to Tennessee to train with the renowned Sanford MMA (formerly Hard Knocks 365) in Nashville. His time in Tennessee played a crucial role in shaping his MMA career, as he trained alongside some of the best fighters in the world, refining his striking and wrestling skills.

Chandler has maintained strong ties to Tennessee, crediting the state for helping him grow as a fighter. He currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Brie Willett, and their sons Hap and Ace.

Nowadays, Chandler trains at Training Camp in Nashville. He owns and operates the gym, which offers MMA training, personal training, and group fitness. Stay updated with more details on Chandler’s future fights here.

Chandler made his professional MMA debut on August 8, 2009, at Strikeforce: Challengers 3, where he defeated Kyle Swadley by TKO in the first round. His impressive performance immediately caught the attention of major MMA organizations.

Bellator MMA Career

Chandler joined Bellator in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks. He won the Season 4 Bellator Lightweight Tournament, earning a title shot against Eddie Alvarez.

On November 19, 2011, Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez by rear-naked choke in the fourth round to become the Bellator Lightweight Champion. The fight was regarded as one of the greatest in MMA history. He successfully defended the title against Rick Hawn and David Rickels before losing it in a rematch against Alvarez in 2013.

Chandler regained the lightweight championship on June 24, 2016, when he knocked out Patricky Pitbull in the first round. He successfully defended the title against Benson Henderson in a split-decision victory.

After a dominant Bellator career that included three title reigns, Chandler left the promotion in 2020, signing with the UFC to compete against the best lightweights in the world.

UFC Career

Chandler made his highly anticipated UFC debut on January 23, 2021, at UFC 257 against Dan Hooker. In a spectacular performance, he knocked out Hooker in the first round, immediately announcing himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Following his debut, Chandler fought Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 262 on May 15, 2021. He nearly finished Oliveira in the first round but was ultimately stopped in the second round via TKO.

Chandler engaged in a brutal war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021, in a fight that was awarded “Fight of the Year.” Despite his relentless aggression, Chandler lost via unanimous decision. He later faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022, in another thrilling bout, losing via rear-naked choke.

One of Chandler’s most memorable moments came at UFC 274 on May 7, 2022, when he knocked out Tony Ferguson with a devastating front kick in the second round. The knockout was widely regarded as one of the best in UFC history.

Fighting Style and Strengths

Chandler’s NCAA wrestling background gives him an elite-level grappling base, allowing him to dominate opponents with takedowns and top control.

Known for his explosiveness, Chandler possesses knockout power in both hands. His ability to close the distance and land devastating strikes makes him a constant threat in the lightweight division.

Chandler is known for his relentless pace and cardio, which enable him to push the action from start to finish.

Legacy and Impact on MMA

Chandler is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bellator fighters of all time, holding the record for most wins in Bellator history before his departure.

Despite joining the UFC later in his career, Chandler quickly established himself as a must-watch fighter, delivering highlight-reel performances and fighting the best in the division.

Chandler’s work ethic, tenacity, and fan-friendly fighting style have made him a role model for young fighters looking to make it in MMA.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Chandler is married to Brie Willett, and the couple has two sons, Hap, whom they adopted in 2018, and Ace, whom they adopted in 2022. He frequently shares his love for his family and emphasizes the importance of fatherhood.

Outside the cage, Chandler is a motivational speaker, sharing his journey of perseverance and hard work with audiences worldwide.

Chandler is actively involved in charity work, particularly focusing on children’s welfare and adoption advocacy.

Final Thoughts

Michael Chandler’s journey from a small-town wrestler to an elite MMA fighter is a testament to his determination and skill. With a relentless fighting style, powerful knockouts, and an unwavering drive to compete against the best, he has become one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history.

Whether it’s his legendary wars in Bellator or his unforgettable battles in the UFC, Chandler has left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA. His upcoming fight with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami is unmissable, and fans eagerly await what’s next for this electrifying athlete.