# Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler Jr. (born April 24, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Chandler previously competed for Bellator MMA from 2010 through 2020 where he became a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion and won the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. As of October 22, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

## Background

Chandler was born and raised in High Ridge, Missouri, the second of four children to Michael Sr. and Betty Chandler. He is of German and Irish heritage. Chandler was on the honor roll every term in high school, received three letters in football, and finished as the runner–up at the MSHSAA State Championships as a senior in wrestling. He was voted the Most Valuable Wrestler during his senior season and was selected to the All-St. Louis Team.
Upon graduating from Northwest High School in 2004, Chandler enrolled at the University of Missouri without an athletic scholarship, walking onto the school's wrestling squad. While at Missouri, Chandler was a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier, collected 100 career wins, as well as earning fifth place at NCAA's as a senior, earning DI All-American honors. Chandler earned runner–up honors in the 2008 and 2009 Big 12 Championships and was awarded automatic bids to three of the four NCAA Championships he competed in. Chandler compiled a 31–15 record against Big 12 opponents and a 100–40 overall record in his four years as a starter. He majored in personal finance management services with a minor in real estate. He also built a close relationship with two–time Dan Hodge Trophy winner and eventual Bellator MMA World Champion Ben Askren and two–time All–American and eventual UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley.

## Mixed martial arts career

Immediately after his wrestling career was over, Chandler began training mixed martial arts at Xtreme Couture. He opted out of competing as an amateur and in August 2009, Chandler made his professional MMA debut with a first-round TKO victory over Kyle Swadley.

### Strikeforce

Chandler made his Strikeforce debut on November 20, 2009, at Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears where he fought Richard Bouphanouvong, He won the bout via technical knockout in the second round.
His next fight in the promotion took place on May 15, 2010, at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery where he fought Sal Wood. He won the bout via submission in under a minute.

### Bellator MMA

Chandler made his Bellator debut on September 30, 2010, at Bellator 31, where he defeated Scott Stapp via technical knockout in the first round. The match was contested at a catchweight for Chandler to test himself for the lightweight division, all his previous bouts being in the welterweight division.
In his next Bellator appearance, Chandler competed on the Bellator 32 card on October 14, 2010, against Chris Page in a welterweight contest. He won the bout via submission in the first round.

#### Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament

In February 2011, it was announced that Chandler would be a part of the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. In the opening round of the tournament, Chandler faced Marcin Held, at Bellator 36 on March 12, 2011. He won the contest via technical submission after choking Held unconscious with an arm-triangle choke. The win moved Chandler into the semi-finals.
Chandler then faced Lloyd Woodard at Bellator 40 and won via unanimous decision to move onto the finals of the tournament.
The tournament final took place at Bellator 44 where Chandler faced Patricky Pitbull. He utilized his wrestling skills, repeatedly taking down Freire and controlling the fight. He defeated Freire via unanimous decision to win $100,000 and a shot at the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.

#### Lightweight Championship

Chandler was expected to compete against Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship at Bellator 54 on October 15, 2011. However, Alvarez suffered an undisclosed injury forcing the bout to be postponed. The bout was then rescheduled to take place on November 19, 2011, at Bellator 58. Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez via submission in the fourth round.
In his first fight after winning the title, Chandler faced Akihiro Gono in a non-title superfight at Bellator 67 on May 4, 2012. He won the match via technical knockout at just 56 seconds into the first round.
Chandler made the first defense of his title against Bellator Season Six Lightweight Tournament Winner Rick Hawn, on January 17, 2013, at Bellator 85. He won the bout via submission in the second round.
Chandler was set to make his second defense against Bellator Season Seven Lightweight Tournament Winner Dave Jansen June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96. However, on June 2, it was announced that Jansen had pulled out of the bout due to an injury and faced David Rickels at Bellator 97 instead. He won the bout via knockout in the first round.

#### Title loss and return

A rematch with Eddie Alvarez took place on November 2, 2013, in the main event of Bellator 106. He lost the match by split decision.
A third fight with Alvarez was set up for the main event of Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014. However, a week before the bout, it was announced that Alvarez had suffered a concussion and was forced to pull out of the fight. Chandler instead faced Will Brooks for the interim lightweight title. He lost the back-and-forth bout by split decision.
With Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez leaving the promotion, Chandler faced Will Brooks in a rematch on November 15, 2014, at Bellator 131 for the vacant lightweight title. He lost the bout via technical knockout in the fourth round.
Chandler faced Derek Campos on June 19, 2015, at Bellator 138. After a dominant start on the feet, including a knockdown, he won the match via submission in the first round.
Chandler rematched David Rickels on November 6, 2015, at Bellator 145. He won the bout via technical knockout in the second round.

#### Second title reign

In May 2016, Bellator MMA president Scott Coker announced that Chandler would rematch Patricky Pitbull on June 17, 2016, at Bellator 157, now for the vacant Bellator Lightweight Championship. He regained the title after knocking Pitbull out in the first round.
In his first title defense, Chandler faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson on November 19, 2016, in the main event of Bellator 165. He won the back-and-forth bout via split decision.
In his second title defense, Chandler faced Brent Primus on June 24, 2017, at Bellator NYC. In the first round, the bout was temporarily halted by the referee to check on Chandler, whose left ankle was visibly injured. The bout was stopped in favor of Primus via technical knockout, earning him the Bellator Lightweight Championship.

#### Post-title reign

Following the loss to Primus, Chandler remained out of action for the remainder of 2017. He made his return at Bellator 192 on January 20, 2018, against Goiti Yamauchi. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
In a rematch, Chandler was expected to challenge Brent Primus for the Bellator Lightweight Championship on April 13, 2018, at Bellator 197. After Primus pulled out of the fight due to injury, Chandler faced Brandon Girtz on the same card. He won the fight via technical submission in the first round.
In late June 2018, reports surfaced that Chandler's contract with Bellator would expire imminently, making him a free agent. On August 22, 2018, it was announced that Chandler had re-signed a new, exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.

#### Third title reign

Chandler's anticipated rematch with Brent Primus took place on December 14, 2018, at Bellator 212. Chandler dominated the majority of the fight by out-wrestling Primus, ultimately defeating him by unanimous decision and regaining the Bellator Lightweight World title in the process.
In the first defense of his new title, Chandler faced Patrício Pitbull on May 11, 2019, in the main event of Bellator 221. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
On October 25, 2019, it was announced that Chandler would return to cage to rematch Benson Henderson at Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019. However, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Sidney Outlaw in an 160 pounds catchweight bout. He defeated Outlaw via knockout in the first round.
A rematch with Benson Henderson was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020. However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
In August 2020 it was reported that Chandler was a free agent following his victory at Bellator 243.

### Ultimate Fighting Championship

On September 17, 2020, it was announced that Chandler had signed a contract with the UFC and served as a backup for a title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Chandler made his promotional debut against Dan Hooker at UFC 257 on January 24, 2021. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Chandler faced long–time veteran Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship, following former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement, while headlining UFC 262 on May 15, 2021. Despite having success in the first round and nearly finishing Oliveira, Chandler lost the fight via technical knockout early in the second round.
Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021. After a back-and-forth fight, Chandler lost the bout via unanimous decision. This bout earned the Fight of the Night award. The bout was also regarded as the Fight of the Year by the UFC and various mixed martial arts media outlets.
Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson on May 7, 2022, at UFC 274. He won the fight in the second round after knocking out Ferguson with a front kick. The win earned Chandler his second Performance of the Night bonus award. It also earned him the second place Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award.
Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281. He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Chandler and Conor McGregor were coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 31 which started filming in February 2023 and aired on television from May to August 2023. This culminated with Chandler being scheduled to face Conor McGregor in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024. Following speculation on the fight's status due to an abruptly canceled press conference, the UFC officially announced the fight's cancellation on June 13th, 2024, citing an injury sustained by McGregor. In September 2024, it was reported that Chandler was "done waiting" to face McGregor.
In a rematch, Chandler faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira in a 5-round bout on November 16, 2024 at UFC 309. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.
Chandler is scheduled to face former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Paddy Pimblett in the five-round co-main event on April 12, 2025 at UFC 314.

## Personal life

Chandler started dating Brie Willett in 2013 after emailing for almost two years. Subsequently, they got married in 2014. The couple grew their family through adoption in 2017, welcoming their son Hap. In April 2022, their second adoptive son Ace was born.
Chandler owns Training Camp, a fitness and MMA gym in Nashville.

## Championships and awards
### Mixed martial arts

* Ultimate Fighting Championship
** Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson
** Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira 2
** UFC Honors Awards
*** 2021: President's Choice Fight of the Year Winner vs. Justin Gaethje & Fan's Choice Debut of the Year Winner vs. vs. Dan Hooker
*** 2022: President's Choice Performance of the Year Nominee vs. Tony Ferguson, President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee vs. Dustin Poirier & Fan's Choice Knockout of the Year Nominee vs. Tony Ferguson
** UFC.com Awards
*** 2021: Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje, Half-Year Awards: Best Newcomer of the 1HY, Ranked #3 Newcomer of the Year & Ranked #10 Fight of the Year vs. Charles Oliveira 1
*** 2022: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier & Ranked #2 Knockout of the Year vs. Tony Ferguson
* Crypto.com
** Fan Bonus of the Night vs. Tony Ferguson
* Bellator Fighting Championships
** Bellator Lightweight World Championship (Three times)
*** Two successful title defenses (first reign)
*** One successful title defense (second reign)
*** Three successful title defenses (overall)
** Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Championship
** Most submission victories in Bellator Lightweight division (6)
** Tied (with David Rickels) for fourth most fights in Bellator history (23)
** Tied (with A. J. McKee) for second most stoppage wins in Bellator MMA history (13)
** Second most stoppage wins in Bellator Lightweight division history (10) (behind Patricky Pitbull)
** Second most title bouts in Bellator MMA history (11)
** Second most wins in Bellator Lightweight division history (15) (behind Patricky Pitbull)
** Third most wins in Bellator MMA history (18)
** Tied (with Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and Neiman Gracie) for second most submission wins in Bellator MMA history (6)
* MMA Junkie
** 2016 June Knockout of the Month vs. Patricky Freire on June 24
** 2021 May Fight of the Month vs. Charles Oliveira
** 2021 November Fight of the Month vs. Justin Gaethje
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
** 2022 May Knockout of the Month vs. Tony Ferguson
* MMAFighting.com
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Sherdog
** 2011 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
** 2021 Round of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
** 2022 Knockout of the year
* Yahoo! Sports
** 2011 Fight of the Year vs. Eddie Alvarez on November 19
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Cageside Press
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
** 2022 Knockout of the Year vs. Tony Ferguson, tied with Leon Edwards
* Lowkick MMA
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Bleacher Report
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* CBS Sports
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Daily Mirror
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Combat Press
** 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje
* Wrestling Observer Newsletter
** 2021 MMA Match of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 268
* World MMA Awards
** 2022 Knockout of the Year vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 274

### Amateur wrestling

* National Collegiate Athletic Association
** NCAA Division I All-American (2009)
** Big 12 Conference Championship Runner-up (2008, 2009)
** University of Missouri Wrestling Team Captain (2007–2009)
** Ed Lampitt Coaches Award (2009)
** Hap Whitney Coaches Award (2006)
** Hap Whitney Most Improved Wrestler (2006)
* Missouri State High School Activities Association
** MSHSAA High School State Championship Runner-up (2004)
** All-St. Louis Team (2004)

## Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown :
| 32 matches | 23 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 11 | 4 |
| By submission | 7 | 1 |
| By decision | 5 | 4 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
| Loss | 23–9 | Charles Oliveira | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 309 | November 16, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 23–8 | Dustin Poirier | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 281 | November 12, 2022 | 3 | 2:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 23–7 | Tony Ferguson | KO (front kick) | UFC 274 | May 7, 2022 | 2 | 0:17 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 22–7 | Justin Gaethje | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 268 | November 6, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 22–6 | Charles Oliveira | TKO (punches) | UFC 262 | May 15, 2021 | 2 | 0:19 | Houston, Texas, United States | For the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 22–5 | Dan Hooker | TKO (punches) | UFC 257 | January 24, 2021 | 1 | 2:30 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 21–5 | Benson Henderson | KO (punches) | Bellator 243 | August 7, 2020 | 1 | 2:09 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 20–5 | Sidney Outlaw | KO (punches) | Bellator 237 | December 29, 2019 | 1 | 2:59 | Saitama, Japan | Catchweight (160 lb) bout. |
| Loss | 19–5 | Patrício Pitbull | TKO (punches) | Bellator 221 | May 11, 2019 | 1 | 1:01 | Rosemont, Illinois, United States | Lost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 19–4 | Brent Primus | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 212 | December 14, 2018 | 5 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 18–4 | Brandon Girtz | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 197 | April 13, 2018 | 1 | 4:00 | St. Charles, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 17–4 | Goiti Yamauchi | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 192 | January 20, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Inglewood, California, United States | |
| Loss | 16–4 | Brent Primus | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Bellator NYC | June 24, 2017 | 1 | 2:22 | New York City, New York, United States | Lost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 16–3 | Benson Henderson | Decision (split) | Bellator 165 | November 19, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Defended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 15–3 | Patricky Pitbull | KO (punch) | Bellator 157: Dynamite 2 | June 24, 2016 | 1 | 2:14 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Won the vacant Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 14–3 | David Rickels | TKO (punches) | Bellator 145 | November 6, 2015 | 2 | 3:05 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 13–3 | Derek Campos | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 138 | June 19, 2015 | 1 | 2:17 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Loss | 12–3 | Will Brooks | TKO (punches) | Bellator 131 | November 15, 2014 | 4 | 3:48 | San Diego, California, United States | For the vacant Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Loss | 12–2 | Will Brooks | Decision (split) | Bellator 120 | May 17, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Southaven, Mississippi, United States | For the interim Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Loss | 12–1 | Eddie Alvarez | Decision (split) | Bellator 106 | November 2, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 | Long Beach, California, United States | Lost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 12–0 | David Rickels | KO (punches) | Bellator 97 | July 31, 2013 | 1 | 0:44 | Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States | Defended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 11–0 | Rick Hawn | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 85 | January 17, 2013 | 2 | 3:07 | Irvine, California, United States | Defended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 10–0 | Akihiro Gono | TKO (punches) | Bellator 67 | May 4, 2012 | 1 | 0:56 | Rama, Ontario, Canada | Non-title bout. |
| Win | 9–0 | Eddie Alvarez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 58 | November 19, 2011 | 4 | 3:06 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 8–0 | Patricky Pitbull | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 44 | May 14, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won the Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament. |
| Win | 7–0 | Lloyd Woodard | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 40 | April 9, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States | Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Semifinal. |
| Win | 6–0 | Marcin Held | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 36 | March 12, 2011 | 1 | 3:56 | Shreveport, Louisiana, United States | Lightweight debut. Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal. |
| Win | 5–0 | Chris Page | Submission (standing guillotine choke) | Bellator 32 | October 14, 2010 | 1 | 0:57 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | Catchweight (165 lb) bout. |
| Win | 4–0 | Scott Stapp | TKO (punches) | Bellator 31 | September 30, 2010 | 1 | 1:57 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | Catchweight (165 lb) bout. |
| Win | 3–0 | Sal Woods | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery | May 15, 2010 | 1 | 0:59 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Richard Bouphanouvong | TKO (punches) | Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears | November 20, 2009 | 2 | 2:07 | Kansas City, Kansas, United States | Catchweight (165 lb) bout. |
| Win | 1–0 | Kyle Swadley | TKO (punches) | First Blood | August 8, 2009 | 1 | 3:30 | Lake Ozark, Missouri, United States | Welterweight debut. |

## Pay-per-view bouts

| No. | Event | Fight | Date | Venue | City | PPV Buys |
| 1. | UFC 262 | Oliveira vs. Chandler | May 15, 2021 | Toyota Center | Houston, Texas, United States | 300,000 |

## NCAA record

NCAA Championships Matches :
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Score | Date | Event |
| 2009 NCAA Championships 5th at 157 lbs ||||||
| Win | 10–8 | Matt Moley | 2–1 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Loss | 9–8 | Gregor Gillespie | MD 2–10 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 9–7 | Tyler Safratowich | MD 13–5 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 8–7 | Jonny Bonilla-Bowman | 6–5 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Loss | 7–7 | Jordan Leen | 2–4 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 7–6 | Chase Pami | 6–0 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 6–6 | Kurt Kinser | 4–3 | March 19–21, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| 2008 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs ||||||
| Loss | 5–6 | Brandon Becker | 2–8 | March 20–22, 2008 | 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Loss | 5–5 | Michael Poeta | 3–7 | March 20–22, 2008 | 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 5–4 | Cyler Sanderson | 5–3 | March 20–22, 2008 | 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 4–4 | Dave Nakasone | 5–3 | March 20–22, 2008 | 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| 2007 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs ||||||
| Loss | 3–4 | Ryan Hluschak | 5–10 | March 15–17, 2007 | 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 3–3 | Chris Oliver | MD 11–2 | March 15–17, 2007 | 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 2–3 | Tyler Shirley | Fall | March 15–17, 2007 | 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Loss | 1–3 | Bubba Jenkins | MD 3–15 | March 15–17, 2007 | 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| 2006 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs ||||||
| Loss | 1–2 | Brandon Becker | 4–10 | March 16–18, 2006 | 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Loss | 1–1 | Ben Cherrington | 1–8 | March 16–18, 2006 | 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |
| Win | 1–0 | Matt Lebe | 3–2 | March 16–18, 2006 | 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships |