Jump to content

Michael Chandler

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the mixed martial artist. For other people named Michael Chandler, see Michael Chandler (disambiguation).

Michael Chandler
Chandler in 2023
BornMichael Chandler Jr.
(1986-04-24) April 24, 1986 (age 39)
High Ridge, Missouri, U.S.
Other namesIron
ResidenceNashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight156 lb (71 kg; 11 st 2 lb)
DivisionWelterweight (2010–2011)
Lightweight (2011–present)
Reach71 in (180 cm)[1]
StyleCollegiate Wrestling
Fighting out ofDeerfield Beach, Florida, U.S.
TeamXtreme Couture (2009–2012)[2][3]
Alliance MMA (2012–2015)[3][4]
Power MMA (2015–2016)[5]
Blackzilians (2016–2017)[6]
Kill Cliff FC (2017–present)[7]
Nashville MMA (2018–present)[8]
RankBlack belt in 10th Planet jiu-jitsu[9]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Wrestling[10]
Years active2009–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total33
Wins23
By knockout11
By submission7
By decision5
Losses10
By knockout5
By submission1
By decision4
Other information
UniversityUniversity of Missouri[11]
Websitemichaelchandler.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate wrestling
Representing the Missouri Tigers
Big 12 Championships
Silver medal – second place 2008 Stillwater 157 lb
Silver medal – second place 2009 Lincoln 157 lb

Michael Chandler Jr.[12] (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 April 15, 2025, he is #12 in the UFC lightweight rankings.[13]

Background

[edit]

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.[14][15]

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.[14] He majored in personal finance management services with a minor in real estate.[15] 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.[16]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

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.[17]

Strikeforce

[edit]

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.[18]

His next fight in the promotion took place on May 15, 2010, at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery where he fought Sal Wood.[19] He won the bout via submission in under a minute.[20]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

Chandler made his Bellator debut on September 30, 2010, at Bellator 31, where he defeated Scott Stapp via technical knockout in the first round.[21] 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.[22]

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.[23]

Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament

[edit]

In February 2011, it was announced that Chandler would be a part of the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament.[24] In the opening round of the tournament, Chandler faced Marcin Held, at Bellator 36 on March 12, 2011.[25] He won the contest via technical submission after choking Held unconscious with an arm-triangle choke. The win moved Chandler into the semi-finals.[26]

Chandler then faced Lloyd Woodard at Bellator 40 and won via unanimous decision to move onto the finals of the tournament.[27]

The tournament final took place at Bellator 44 where Chandler faced Patricky Pitbull.[28] 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.[29]

Lightweight Championship

[edit]

Chandler was expected to compete against Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship at Bellator 54 on October 15, 2011.[30] However, Alvarez suffered an undisclosed injury forcing the bout to be postponed.[31] The bout was then rescheduled to take place on November 19, 2011, at Bellator 58.[32] Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez via submission in the fourth round.[33]

In his first fight after winning the title, Chandler faced Akihiro Gono in a non-title superfight at Bellator 67 on May 4, 2012.[34] He won the match via technical knockout at just 56 seconds into the first round.[35]

Chandler made the first defense of his title against Bellator Season Six Lightweight Tournament Winner Rick Hawn, on January 17, 2013, at Bellator 85.[36] He won the bout via submission in the second round.[37]

Chandler was set to make his second defense against Bellator Season Seven Lightweight Tournament Winner Dave Jansen June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96.[38] However, on June 2, it was announced that Jansen had pulled out of the bout due to an injury[39] and faced David Rickels at Bellator 97 instead.[40] He won the bout via knockout in the first round.[41]

Title loss and return

[edit]

A rematch with Eddie Alvarez took place on November 2, 2013, in the main event of Bellator 106.[42] He lost the match by split decision.[43]

A third fight with Alvarez was set up for the main event of Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014.[44] However, a week before the bout, it was announced that Alvarez had suffered a concussion and was forced to pull out of the fight.[45] Chandler instead faced Will Brooks for the interim lightweight title.[46] He lost the back-and-forth bout by split decision.[47]

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.[48] He lost the bout via technical knockout in the fourth round.[49]

Chandler faced Derek Campos on June 19, 2015, at Bellator 138.[50] After a dominant start on the feet, including a knockdown, he won the match via submission in the first round.[51]

Chandler rematched David Rickels on November 6, 2015, at Bellator 145.[52] He won the bout via technical knockout in the second round.[53]

Second title reign

[edit]

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.[54] He regained the title after knocking Pitbull out in the first round.[55]

In his first title defense, Chandler faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson on November 19, 2016, in the main event of Bellator 165.[56] He won the back-and-forth bout via split decision.[57]

In his second title defense, Chandler faced Brent Primus on June 24, 2017, at Bellator NYC.[58] 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.[59]

Post-title reign

[edit]

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.[60] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[61]

In a rematch, Chandler was expected to challenge Brent Primus for the Bellator Lightweight Championship on April 13, 2018, at Bellator 197.[62] After Primus pulled out of the fight due to injury, Chandler faced Brandon Girtz on the same card.[63] He won the fight via technical submission in the first round.[64]

In late June 2018, reports surfaced that Chandler's contract with Bellator would expire imminently, making him a free agent.[65] On August 22, 2018, it was announced that Chandler had re-signed a new, exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[66]

Third title reign

[edit]

Chandler's anticipated rematch with Brent Primus took place on December 14, 2018, at Bellator 212.[67] 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.[68]

In the first defense of his new title, Chandler faced Patrício Pitbull on May 11, 2019, in the main event of Bellator 221.[69] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[70]

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.[71] However, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Sidney Outlaw in an 160 pounds catchweight bout.[72] He defeated Outlaw via knockout in the first round.[73]

A rematch with Benson Henderson was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020.[74] However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic[75] and eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243.[76] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[77]

In August 2020 it was reported that Chandler was a free agent following his victory at Bellator 243.[78]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

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.[79]

Chandler made his promotional debut against Dan Hooker at UFC 257 on January 24, 2021.[80] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[81] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[82]

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.[83] Despite having success in the first round and nearly finishing Oliveira, Chandler lost the fight via technical knockout early in the second round.[84]

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021.[85] After a back-and-forth fight, Chandler lost the bout via unanimous decision.[86] This bout earned the Fight of the Night award.[87] The bout was also regarded as the Fight of the Year by the UFC and various mixed martial arts media outlets.[88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96]

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson on May 7, 2022, at UFC 274.[97] He won the fight in the second round after knocking out Ferguson with a front kick.[98] The win earned Chandler his second Performance of the Night bonus award.[99] It also earned him the second place Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award.[100]

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281.[101] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[102] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[103]

Chandler and Conor McGregor were coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 31 which started filming in February 2023[104] and aired on television from May to August 2023.[105] This culminated with Chandler being scheduled to face Conor McGregor in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024.[106] Following speculation on the fight's status due to an abruptly canceled press conference,[107][108] the UFC officially announced the fight's cancellation on June 13, 2024, citing an injury sustained by McGregor.[109] In September 2024, it was reported that Chandler was "done waiting" to face McGregor.[110]

In a rematch, Chandler faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira in a 5-round bout on November 16, 2024, at UFC 309.[110] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[111] This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.[112]

Chandler faced former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Paddy Pimblett in the five-round co-main event on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314.[113] He lost the fight by technical knockout in the third round.[114]

Personal life

[edit]

Chandler started dating Brie Willett in 2013 after emailing for almost two years. Subsequently, they got married in 2014.[115] The couple grew their family through adoption in 2017, welcoming their son Hap.[116] In April 2022, their second adoptive son Ace was born.[117]

Chandler owns Training Camp, a fitness and MMA gym in Nashville.[118]

Championships and awards

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Amateur wrestling

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
33 matches 23 wins 10 losses
By knockout 11 5
By submission 7 1
By decision 5 4
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–10 Paddy Pimblett TKO (elbows and punches) UFC 314 April 12, 2025 3 3:07 Miami, Florida, United States
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.

[143]

Pay-per-view bouts

[edit]
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[144]

NCAA record

[edit]
NCAA Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2009 NCAA Championships 5th at 157 lbs[145]
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
Win 9–7 Tyler Safratowich MD 13–5
Win 8–7 Jonny Bonilla-Bowman 6–5
Loss 7–7 Jordan Leen 2–4
Win 7–6 Chase Pami 6–0
Win 6–6 Kurt Kinser 4–3
2008 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs[146]
Loss 5–6 Brandon Becker 2–8 March 20–22, 2008 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 5–5 Michael Poeta 3–7
Win 5–4 Cyler Sanderson 5–3
Win 4–4 Dave Nakasone 5–3
2007 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs[147]
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
Win 2–3 Tyler Shirley Fall
Loss 1–3 Bubba Jenkins MD 3–15
2006 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs[148]
Loss 1–2 Brandon Becker 4–10 March 16–18, 2006 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 1–1 Ben Cherrington 1–8
Win 1–0 Matt Lebe 3–2

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  2. ^ Andrew Mahlmann (March 15, 2011). "Bellator Stud Michael Chandler Talks About Xtreme Couture, Career and More". Bleacher Report.
  3. ^ a b Mike Chiappetta (August 30, 2012). "Bellator Champ Michael Chandler Moves Camp from Xtreme Couture to Alliance MMA". mmafighting.com.
  4. ^ Marc Raimondi (August 6, 2015). "Myles Jury, Michael Chandler among group of fighters leaving Alliance MMA". mmafighting.com.
  5. ^ Marc Raimondi (August 6, 2015). "Myles Jury, Michael Chandler among group of fighters leaving Alliance MMA". mmafighting.com.
  6. ^ Michael Stets (June 25, 2016). "Bellator champion Michael Chandler says he's 'just scratching the surface' under tutelage of Henri Hooft". mmamania.com.
  7. ^ Ollie Carlson (December 13, 2019). "Hard Knocks 365 rebrands to Sanford MMA with sponsorship from Sanford Health". thebodylockmma.com.
  8. ^ "Athlete Spotlight: Michael Chandler, MMA Fighter p1". Yahoo!. August 23, 2018.
  9. ^ "Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler odds: Early UFC 303 picks and predictions for June 29". June 2, 2024.
  10. ^ "Michael Chandler | UFC". UFC.com. October 19, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  11. ^ Imhoff, Michael (June 19, 2017). "How Michael Chandler became a two-time MMA champion". SBNation.com. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  12. ^ "Michael Chandler ("Iron") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  13. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "The Official Website of Michael Chandler". Archived from the original on November 21, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  15. ^ a b "Michael Chandler Bio - Official Athletic Site Official Athletic Site - Wrestling". Mutigers.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  16. ^ "How the bond between Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren changed Missouri wrestling". ESPN.com. May 26, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  17. ^ "MMA Career". Michael Chandler. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  18. ^ "Bellator Signs Undefeated Michael Chandler". Full Contact Fighter. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  19. ^ "Strikeforce finalizes Saturday's "Heavy Artillery" card, Beerbohm vs. "Shaolin" set". MMA Junkie. May 10, 2010.
  20. ^ "Mizzou's next MMA star: Strikeforce's Mike Chandler seeks to match rise of Tyron Woodley". MMA Junkie. May 18, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  21. ^ "15 of the best male Bellator fighters of all-time". FanSided. August 11, 2019. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  22. ^ "Michael Chandler". www.monsterenergy.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  23. ^ "Michael Chandler signed for Bellator's lightweight tournament". MMA Interplay. February 8, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  24. ^ "Undefeated Mike Chandler added to Bellator's season-four lightweight tourney". MMA Junkie. February 8, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  25. ^ "Marcin Held completes lightweight tourney field, meets Mike Chandler at Bellator 36". MMA Junkie. February 12, 2011.
  26. ^ "Bellator Lightweight Michael Chandler Looking to Make a Strong Statement by Winning Tournament". Bloody Elbow. March 24, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  27. ^ Fagan, Mike (April 9, 2011). "Bellator 40 Results: Michael Chandler Wrestles A Decision From Lloyd Woodard". SBNation.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  28. ^ John Morgan (April 13, 2011). "Michael Chandler vs. Patricky "Pitbull" Freire added to Bellator 44". MMA Junkie.
  29. ^ Fagan, Mike (May 14, 2011). "Bellator 44 Results: Michael Chandler Outworks Patricky Freire To A Decision". SBNation.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  30. ^ Jesse Holland (July 28, 2011). "Bellator 54: Eddie Alvarez vs Michael Chandler set for Oct. 15 in Atlantic City". MMA Mania.
  31. ^ DeRose, Sal. "Eddie Alvarez Pulling out of Bellator 54 Title Fight with Michael Chandler". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  32. ^ "Champ Eddie Alvarez meets Michael Chandler at November's Bellator 58". MMA Junkie. October 13, 2011.
  33. ^ Brian Knapp (November 1, 2013). "As It Happened: Chandler vs. Alvarez 1". Sherdog. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  34. ^ "Bellator 67 - Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario - Bellator Fighting Championships". Bellator.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  35. ^ Myers, Thomas (May 5, 2012). "Video: Michael Chandler smashes Akihiro Gono in less than 60 seconds at Bellator 67". MMAmania.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  36. ^ Ken Pishna (December 11, 2012). "Bellator Lands on Thursday Nights on Spike TV; Kicking Off Move with Back-to-Back Stacked Cards". mmaweekly.com.
  37. ^ Rondina, Steven. "Bellator 85: Michael Chandler Defeats Rick Hawn". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  38. ^ "Bellator 96 adds heavyweight tournament; moves to three hours". mmamania.com. May 15, 2013.
  39. ^ "Dave Jansen Injured, Bellator Champ Michael Chandler Gets New Opponent, New Date | MMAWeekly.com". June 2, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  40. ^ "Dave Jansen off Bellator 96, David Rickels meets Michael Chandler at Bellator 97". MMA Junkie. June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  41. ^ McCarter, Nathan. "Bellator 97 Results: Michael Chandler Earns Quick KO Over David Rickels". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  42. ^ John Morgan (August 13, 2013). "Eddie Alvarez and Bellator mend fences, book Michael Chandler rematch for PPV". MMA Junkie. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  43. ^ Homistek, Hunter. "Bellator 106: Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez II Results". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  44. ^ Matt Erickson (March 1, 2014). "Bellator pay-per-view set for May 17 with Alvarez-Chandler III headliner". MMA Junkie.
  45. ^ "Eddie Alvarez suffers concussion, out of Bellator 120". mmafighting.com. May 10, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  46. ^ Dave Doyle (May 10, 2014). "Will Brooks replaces Eddie Alvarez, faces Michael Chandler as Bellator 120 stays on PPV". mmafighting.com.
  47. ^ Kontek, Riley. "Michael Chandler vs. Will Brooks: What We Learned from Interim Title Fight". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  48. ^ "Tito Ortiz-Stephan Bonnar, Will Brooks-Michael Chandler set for Nov. 15 Bellator". sherdog.com. September 5, 2014.
  49. ^ "Bellator 145's Michael Chandler: 'I just know I'm better than Will Brooks'". MMA Junkie. October 28, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  50. ^ Staff (March 24, 2015). "Michael Chandler vs. Derek Campos joins Bellator 138, which moves to June 19". MMA Junkie.
  51. ^ "Bellator 138 results: Michael Chandler overwhelms Derek Campos in first". MMA Junkie. June 20, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  52. ^ "Bellator 145 Fight Card". bellator.com. November 6, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  53. ^ Lyons, Joe (November 3, 2015). "Chandler gets Rickels again at Bellator 145". STLtoday.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  54. ^ "Michael Chandler, Patricky 'Pitbull' to Vie for Vacant Lightweight Title". sherdog.com. May 14, 2016.
  55. ^ "Twitter reacts to Michael Chandler's one-punch knockout of Patricky Freire at Bellator 157". MMA Junkie. June 25, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  56. ^ Tristen Critchfield (October 11, 2016). "Vassell vs. Carmont, Girtz vs. Piccolotti Announced for Bellator 165 Main Card". Sherdog.
  57. ^ "Bellator 237 free fight: Michael Chandler edges Benson Henderson in lightweight title defense". MMA Junkie. December 27, 2019. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  58. ^ Marc Raimondi (March 23, 2017). "Michael Chandler vs. Brent Primus title fight set for Bellator 180". mmafighting.com.
  59. ^ Steven Marrocco (June 24, 2017). "Bellator NYC results: Brent Primus wins lightweight title with injury TKO over Michael Chandler". MMA Junkiem.
  60. ^ Jay Anderson (November 18, 2017). "Michael Chandler to face Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 192". cagesidepress.com.
  61. ^ "Sonnen unanimous over 'Rampage' at Bellator 192". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  62. ^ Mike Johnston (January 30, 2018). "Michael Chandler vs. Brent Primus rematch set for Bellator 197". Sportsnet.
  63. ^ Brett Okamoto (March 22, 2018). "Bellator's Michael Chandler blasts 'coward' Freire, questions Primus". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  64. ^ "Bellator 197 results: Michael Chandler puts Brandon Girtz to sleep with first-round choke". MMA Junkie. April 14, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  65. ^ Dan Hiergesell (June 23, 2018). "Report: Michael Chandler's Bellator MMA contract due to expire 'imminently'". mmamania.com.
  66. ^ Brett Okamoto (August 22, 2018). "Sources: Michael Chandler signs exclusive deal with Bellator". espn.com.
  67. ^ John Morgan (October 11, 2018). "Brent Primus vs. Michael Chandler rematch headlines new Bellator 'Salute the Troops' event in Hawaii". MMA Junkie.
  68. ^ "Bellator 212 results: Primus vs Chandler 2". mmafighting.com. December 15, 2018.
  69. ^ Jay Anderson (February 14, 2019). "Patricio Pitbull vs. Michael Chandler Set for Bellator 221, Jack Swagger Returns". cagesidepress.com.
  70. ^ "Bellator 221 results, highlights: Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire stuns Michael Chandler with first-round TKO". CBSSports.com. May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  71. ^ Jay Pettry (October 25, 2019). "Michael Chandler-Benson Henderson Rematch Set for Bellator Japan". sherdog.com.
  72. ^ Alexander K. Lee (December 5, 2019). "Benson Henderson out of Bellator Japan, Michael Chandler to face Sidney Outlaw". mmafighting.com.
  73. ^ "Bellator 237 results: Michael Chandler punches out Sidney Outlaw in less than three minutes". MMA Junkie. December 29, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  74. ^ Martin, Damon (March 9, 2020). "Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2 rebooked for Bellator event on June 6". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  75. ^ stevejuon (April 21, 2020). "Bellator 244: 'Chandler vs Henderson 2' on June 6 postponed due to coronavirus". MMAmania.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  76. ^ "Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2, Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Johnson set for Bellator 243". MMA Junkie. July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  77. ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (August 7, 2020). "Bellator 243 Results: Chandler vs. Henderson 2". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  78. ^ Nolan King (August 5, 2020). "A free agent after Bellator 243, Michael Chandler keeping options open". MMA Junkie.
  79. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (September 17, 2020). "Michael Chandler signs with UFC, set to serve as backup for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 254". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  80. ^ "Michael Chandler's octagon debut set vs. Dan Hooker at UFC 257". MMA Junkie. January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  81. ^ Evanoff, Josh (January 23, 2021). "UFC 257 Results: Michael Chandler Lives Up to Expectations, KO's Dan Hooker". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  82. ^ a b Stephie Haynes (January 24, 2021). "UFC 257 post-fight bonuses: Poirier stops McGregor in second round". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  83. ^ "BREAKING: UFC books Michael Chandler – Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title". Empire Sports Media. March 19, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  84. ^ Anderson, Jay (May 16, 2021). "UFC 262 Results: Charles Oliveira Stuns Michael Chandler to Claim Lightweight Title". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  85. ^ "Sources: Gaethje-Chandler added to UFC 268". ESPN.com. July 30, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  86. ^ Evanoff, Josh (November 6, 2021). "UFC 268 Results: Justin Gaethje Defeats Michael Chandler In FOTY Contender". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  87. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (November 7, 2021). "UFC 268 bonuses: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler thriller leads night of six winners". MMA Fighting. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  88. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 25, 2021). "The Ten Best Fights Of 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  89. ^ a b Shakiel Mahjouri (December 30, 2021). "Best of UFC in 2021: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler earns Fight of the Year in all-time battle". CBS Sports.
  90. ^ a b Mike Bohn (January 5, 2022). "MMA Junkie's Fight of the Year for 2021: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". MMA Junkie.
  91. ^ a b "MMA Fighting's 2021 Fight of the Year: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". MMA Fighting. December 28, 2021.
  92. ^ a b Tristen Critchfield (December 26, 2021). "Sherdog's 2021 Fight of the Year". Sherdog.
  93. ^ a b "Fight Of The Year – LowKickMMA 2021 Awards". lowkickmma.com. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  94. ^ a b Harry Davies (December 25, 2021). "UFC awards 2021 including best fight to best KO and biggest upset". Daily Mirror.
  95. ^ a b Kevin Iole (December 28, 2021). "2021 MMA Fight of the Year: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler an instant classic". Yahoo! Sports.
  96. ^ a b Tom Taylor (December 21, 2021). "Bleacher Report 2021 MMA Awards: Best Fight". Bleacher Report.
  97. ^ Alexander, Mookie (March 9, 2022). "Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson added to UFC 274". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  98. ^ "UFC 274 results: Michael Chandler brutally knocks out Tony Ferguson with insane front kick". MMA Junkie. May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  99. ^ a b Anderson, Jay (May 8, 2022). "UFC 274: Chandler, Fialho Earn Performance of the Night Bonuses". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  100. ^ a b Haynes, Stephie (May 8, 2022). "UFC 274 post-fight bonuses: Chandler plants Ferguson with KOTY candidate". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  101. ^ Damon Martin (September 7, 2022). "Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier official for UFC 281; Chandler inks new deaL". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  102. ^ Jay Anderson (November 12, 2022). "UFC 281: Dustin Poirier Overcomes Early Adversity, Subs Michael Chandler in Wild Fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  103. ^ a b Dan Hiergesell (November 13, 2022). "UFC 281 bonuses: Poirier vs. Chandler capture FOTN honors". mmamania.com. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  104. ^ Harkness, Ryan (February 17, 2023). "McGregor lands in Las Vegas as shooting for The Ultimate Fighter begins". MMAmania.com. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  105. ^ Theodosi, Jamie (February 4, 2023). "Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler confirmed for TUF season 31". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  106. ^ Martin, Damon (April 14, 2024). "Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler finally official for UFC 303". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  107. ^ Martin, Damon (June 5, 2024). "Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler: Where we stand after UFC 303 press conference cancellation". MMA Fightingcom. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  108. ^ Reinsmith, Trent (June 12, 2024). "Why Is The UFC Remaining Silent On UFC 303: McGregor Vs. Chandler?". Forbes. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  109. ^ Peters, Andrew (June 13, 2024). "Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler UFC 303 Fight Canceled; New Main Event Revealed". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  110. ^ a b Matthew Wells and Mike Bohn (September 13, 2024). "UFC 309: Michael Chandler to rematch Charles Oliveira in return; may fight Conor McGregor later". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  111. ^ Brett Cagle (November 17, 2024). "UFC 309: Charles Oliveira Dominates Four, Survives Fifth Round Opposite Michael Chandler". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  112. ^ a b Chris Taylor (November 17, 2024). "UFC 309 Bonus Report: Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler take home FOTN". bjpenn.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  113. ^ Nolan King (February 19, 2025). "UFC 314 headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes title bout with Ilia Topuria vacating". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  114. ^ Eddie Law (April 13, 2025). "Paddy Pimblett Finishes Chandler In Bloody Round 3, Wants Top 5". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  115. ^ Michael Chandler's instagram
  116. ^ Mindenhall, Chuck (December 24, 2017). "How everything changed for Michael Chandler in just six minutes". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  117. ^ "Michael Chandler adopts second child just two weeks before UFC 274". mmaweekly.com. April 22, 2022.
  118. ^ "TRAINING CAMP - Nashville, TN". www.facebook.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  119. ^ UFC Staff (January 22, 2022). "UFC Honors 2021 Fight of the Year - Winner - Gaethje vs. Chandler - UFC 268". ufc.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  120. ^ UFC (January 16, 2022). "Dana White's 2021 President's Choice Awards - UFC Honors". YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  121. ^ a b UFC Staff (January 16, 2023). "Dana White's UFC 2022 President's Choice Award Winners - UFC Honors". ufc.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  122. ^ MMAWeekly.com Staff (December 26, 2022). "2022 UFC Knockout of the Year nominees: Cast your vote". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  123. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 26, 2021). "THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  124. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (June 29, 2021). "The Newcomers - 2021 Half-Year Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  125. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 20, 2021). "The 10 Best Newcomers Of 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  126. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 26, 2021). "THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  127. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 23, 2022). "The Fights | 2022 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  128. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 22, 2022). "The Knockouts - 2022 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  129. ^ Mike Bohn (September 9, 2019). "Bellator 226 post-event facts: Even without win, Ryan Bader makes history". MMA Junkie.
  130. ^ a b c d e Mike Bohn (August 4, 2020). "Bellator 243 pre-event facts: The many records of Michael Chandler". MMA Junkie.
  131. ^ "MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for June: Which brutal finish took the cake?". MMA Junkie. June 30, 2016.
  132. ^ Mike Bohn (June 4, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for May: A back-and-forth title fight". MMA Junkie.
  133. ^ Mike Bohn (November 30, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for November: A lightweight war for the ages". MMA Junkie.
  134. ^ Mike Bohn (May 31, 2022). "MMA Junkie's Knockout of the Month for May: Michael Chandler punts Tony Ferguson". MMAjunkie.com.
  135. ^ Brian Knapp (January 4, 2012). "Sherdog's 2011 Breakthrough of the Year: Michael Chandler". Sherdog.
  136. ^ Lev Pisarsky (December 31, 2021). "Sherdog's 2021 Round of the Year". Sherdog.
  137. ^ "Sherdog's 2022 Knockout of the Year".
  138. ^ "MMA 2021 Year in Review: Fight of the Year". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  139. ^ Staff (January 1, 2023). "MMA 2022 Year in Review: Knockout of the Year". Cagesidepress.com. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  140. ^ Haran Naresh (January 25, 2022). "Combat Press 2021 MMA Awards: Fight of the Year – Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". combatpress.com.
  141. ^ Meltzer, Dave (February 18, 2022). "February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  142. ^ MMA Fighting Newswire (December 9, 2022). "2022 World MMA Awards Results". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  143. ^ Sherdog.com. "Michael Chandler". Sherdog. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  144. ^ "UFC 262: Oliveira vs. Chandler | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  145. ^ "National Wrestling Hall of Fame - NCAA Brackets" (PDF).
  146. ^ "78th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/20/2008 to 3/22/2008 in St. Louis" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  147. ^ "77th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/15/2007 to 3/17/2007 at Auburn Hills" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  148. ^ "76th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/16/2006 to 3/18/2006 at Oklahoma City" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Chandler&oldid=1291970025"