Michael Chandler Bio
Michael Chandler Jr. is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion and winner of the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. As of November 18, 2025, Chandler is ranked #11 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Michael Chandler was born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri, United States. He is the second of four children and has German and Irish heritage. During high school, Chandler excelled in wrestling, finishing as the runner-up at the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Championships and earning the title of Most Valuable Wrestler. He was also a member of the honor roll and played football.
After graduating from Northwest High School in 2004, Chandler walked onto the wrestling team at the University of Missouri without an athletic scholarship. He became a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier, earned All-American honors, and compiled 100 career wins. Chandler majored in personal finance management services with a minor in real estate during his college years. He developed close relationships with notable wrestlers such as Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
Path to MMA
Chandler transitioned to mixed martial arts immediately after his collegiate wrestling career. He began training at Xtreme Couture and made his professional MMA debut in August 2009, winning by first-round technical knockout. Initially competing in the welterweight division, Chandler soon moved to lightweight, where he found greater success.
His early MMA career included fights in Strikeforce, where he secured victories by technical knockout and submission. These performances helped Chandler gain recognition and paved the way for his entry into Bellator MMA.
Michael Chandler Career
Early Career (2009–2010)
Michael Chandler started his professional MMA career in 2009 with a first-round TKO victory. He fought in Strikeforce in late 2009 and early 2010, winning his bouts via technical knockout and submission. These early successes established him as a promising lightweight contender.
Chandler’s wrestling background and aggressive fighting style quickly made him a standout competitor. He trained with teams such as Xtreme Couture and Alliance MMA during this period, honing his skills and preparing for higher-level competition.
Bellator MMA Breakthrough (2010–2020)
Chandler made his Bellator debut in September 2010, winning by technical knockout. He competed in the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament in 2011, defeating Marcin Held, Lloyd Woodard, and Patricky Pitbull to win the tournament and earn a title shot.
In November 2011, Chandler won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship by submitting Eddie Alvarez. He successfully defended the title multiple times against top contenders such as Akihiro Gono and Rick Hawn. Chandler became a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion during his tenure, regaining the title after losses and demonstrating resilience.
Chandler’s Bellator career was marked by notable rivalries, including multiple fights against Eddie Alvarez and rematches with Patricky Pitbull and Brent Primus. His bouts often showcased his wrestling prowess, striking power, and submission skills.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2020–Present)
In September 2020, Michael Chandler signed with the UFC. He made an impactful debut at UFC 257 in January 2021, defeating Dan Hooker by first-round technical knockout and earning a Performance of the Night award. Chandler challenged for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 but lost via technical knockout in the second round.
Chandler continued competing against elite fighters, including Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Paddy Pimblett. His fights have earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors. Chandler also served as a coach opposite Conor McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023.
Driving Style and Strengths
Michael Chandler is known for his aggressive wrestling-based style combined with powerful striking. His orthodox stance complements his ability to control opponents on the ground and deliver knockout blows. Chandler’s strategic approach and conditioning have allowed him to compete at the highest levels consistently.
Notable Events and Milestones
Chandler’s career highlights include winning the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament, becoming a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion, and earning multiple UFC performance bonuses. His bouts with Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje are considered some of the most exciting in MMA history.
Michael Chandler Career Wins
Michael Chandler has accumulated 23 professional wins in mixed martial arts, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision. His career spans over a decade, featuring championship titles and high-profile fights in major promotions.
Bellator MMA Highlights
Chandler won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship three times and secured the Season Four Lightweight Tournament title. His first Bellator win came in 2010, and he regained the lightweight title multiple times after losses, showcasing his resilience and skill. Chandler’s most recent Bellator title win was in 2018, where he defeated Brent Primus by unanimous decision.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining Bellator, Chandler won his initial professional fights in Strikeforce and other regional promotions. His early victories helped establish his reputation and facilitated his rise to prominence in Bellator and later the UFC.
Michael Chandler Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Michael Chandler was born to Michael Sr. and Betty Chandler in High Ridge, Missouri. He is the second of four children. There is no public information linking his family to professional sports or racing lineage.
Personal Life
Michael Chandler is married to Brie Willett, whom he began dating in 2013 and married in 2014. The couple has two adopted sons, Hap, born in 2017, and Ace, born in 2022. Chandler resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he owns Training Camp, a fitness and MMA gym.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Michael Chandler continued competing in the UFC Lightweight division. He faced Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in April, losing by technical knockout in the third round. Chandler remains an active and competitive fighter, preparing for future high-profile bouts. He is expected to face Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated matchup in 2026, which would culminate their rivalry that began during their coaching roles on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
Chandler’s 2025 season reflects his determination to stay among the top contenders in the lightweight division, with a focus on maintaining peak physical condition and refining his fight strategy alongside his team at Kill Cliff FC and Nashville MMA.