Michael Chandler

Last updated
Michael Chandler
MichaelChandler0523 (cropped).jpg
Chandler in 2023
Born (1986-04-24) April 24, 1986 (age 37)
High Ridge, Missouri, U.S.
Other namesIron
Residence Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight156 lb (71 kg; 11 st 2 lb)
Division Welterweight (2010–2011)
Lightweight (2011–present)
Reach71 in (180 cm) [1]
Style Wrestling
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Florida, U.S.
Team Xtreme 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]
Wrestling NCAA Division I Wrestling [10]
Years active2009–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total31
Wins23
By knockout11
By submission7
By decision5
Losses8
By knockout4
By submission1
By decision3
University University of Missouri [11]
Website michaelchandler.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Missouri Tigers
Big 12 Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2008 Stillwater157 lb
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2009 Lincoln157 lb

Michael Chandler (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 was the winner of the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. As of April 16, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC lightweight rankings. [12]

Contents

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. [13] [14]

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

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. [16]

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. [17]

His next fight in the promotion took place on May 15, 2010, at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery where he fought Sal Wood. [18] He won the bout via submission in under a minute. [19]

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. [20] 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. [21]

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. [22]

Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament

In February 2011, it was announced that Chandler would be a part of the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. [23] In the opening round of the tournament, Chandler faced Marcin Held, at Bellator 36 on March 12, 2011. [24] He won the contest via technical submission after choking Held unconscious with an arm-triangle choke. The win moved Chandler into the semi-finals. [25]

Chandler then faced Lloyd Woodard at Bellator 40 and won via unanimous decision to move onto the finals of the tournament. [26]

The tournament final took place at Bellator 44 where Chandler faced Patricky Pitbull. [27] 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. [28]

Lightweight Championship

Chandler was expected to compete against Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship at Bellator 54 on October 15, 2011. [29] However, Alvarez suffered an undisclosed injury forcing the bout to be postponed. [30] The bout was then rescheduled to take place on November 19, 2011, at Bellator 58. [31] Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez via submission in the fourth round. [32]

In his first fight after winning the title, Chandler faced Akihiro Gono in a non-title superfight at Bellator 67 on May 4, 2012. [33] He won the match via technical knockout at just 56 seconds into the first round. [34]

Chandler made the first defense of his title against Bellator Season Six Lightweight Tournament Winner Rick Hawn, on January 17, 2013, at Bellator 85. [35] He won the bout via submission in the second round. [36]

Chandler was set to make his second defense against Bellator Season Seven Lightweight Tournament Winner Dave Jansen June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96. [37] However, on June 2, it was announced that Jansen had pulled out of the bout due to an injury [38] and faced David Rickels at Bellator 97 instead. [39] He won the bout via knockout in the first round. [40]

Title loss and return

A rematch with Eddie Alvarez took place on November 2, 2013, in the main event of Bellator 106. [41] He lost the match by split decision. [42]

A third fight with Alvarez was set up for the main event of Bellator 120 on May 17, 2014. [43] However, a week before the bout, it was announced that Alvarez had suffered a concussion and was forced to pull out of the fight. [44] Chandler instead faced Will Brooks for the interim lightweight title. [45] He lost the back-and-forth bout by split decision. [46]

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

Chandler faced Derek Campos on June 19, 2015, at Bellator 138. [49] After a dominant start on the feet, including a knockdown, he won the match via submission in the first round. [50]

Chandler rematched David Rickels on November 6, 2015, at Bellator 145. [51] He won the bout via technical knockout in the second round. [52]

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

In his first title defense, Chandler faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson on November 19, 2016, in the main event of Bellator 165. [55] He won the back-and-forth bout via split decision. [56]

In his second title defense, Chandler faced Brent Primus on June 24, 2017, at Bellator NYC. [57] 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. [58]

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

In a rematch, Chandler was expected to challenge Brent Primus for the Bellator Lightweight Championship on April 13, 2018, at Bellator 197. [61] After Primus pulled out of the fight due to injury, Chandler faced Brandon Girtz on the same card. [62] He won the fight via technical submission in the first round. [63]

In late June 2018, reports surfaced that Chandler's contract with Bellator would expire imminently, making him a free agent. [64] On August 22, 2018, it was announced that Chandler had re-signed a new, exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA. [65]

Third title reign

Chandler's anticipated rematch with Brent Primus took place on December 14, 2018, at Bellator 212. [66] 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. [67]

In the first defense of his new title, Chandler faced Patrício Pitbull on May 11, 2019, in the main event of Bellator 221. [68] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round. [69]

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

A rematch with Benson Henderson was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020. [73] However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic [74] and eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243. [75] He won the fight via knockout in the first round. [76]

In August 2020 it was reported that Chandler was a free agent following his victory at Bellator 243. [77]

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. [78]

Chandler made his promotional debut against Dan Hooker at UFC 257 on January 24, 2021. [79] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round. [80] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. [81]

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

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021. [84] After a back-and-forth fight, Chandler lost the bout via unanimous decision. [85] This bout earned the Fight of the Night award. [86] The bout was also regarded as the Fight of the Year by the UFC and various mixed martial arts media outlets. [87] [88] [89] [90] [91] [92] [93] [94] [95]

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson on May 7, 2022, at UFC 274. [96] He won the fight in the second round after knocking out Ferguson with a front kick. [97] The win earned Chandler his second Performance of the Night bonus award. [98] It also earned him the second place Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award. [99]

Chandler faced former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281. [100] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. [101] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. [102]

Chandler and Conor McGregor were coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 31 which started filming in February 2023 [103] and aired on television from May to August 2023. [104] This culminated with Chandler being scheduled to face Conor McGregor in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024. [105]

Personal life

Chandler started dating Brie Willett in 2013 after emailing for almost two years. Subsequently, they got married in 2014. [106] The couple grew their family through adoption in 2017, welcoming their son Hap. [107] In April 2022, their second adoptive son Ace was born. [108]

Chandler owns Training Camp, a fitness and MMA gym in Nashville. [109]

Championships and awards

Mixed martial arts

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
31 matches23 wins8 losses
By knockout114
By submission71
By decision53
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss23–8 Dustin Poirier Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 281 November 12, 202232:00 New York City, New York, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win23–7 Tony Ferguson KO (front kick) UFC 274 May 7, 202220:17 Phoenix, Arizona, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Loss22–7 Justin Gaethje Decision (unanimous) UFC 268 November 6, 202135:00 New York City, New York, United StatesFight of the Night. Fight of the Year (2021).
Loss22–6 Charles Oliveira TKO (punches) UFC 262 May 15, 202120:19 Houston, Texas, United StatesFor the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win22–5 Dan Hooker TKO (punches) UFC 257 January 24, 202112:30 Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesPerformance of the Night. Debut of the Year (2021).
Win21–5 Benson Henderson KO (punches) Bellator 243 August 7, 202012:09 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win20–5 Sidney Outlaw KO (punches) Bellator 237 December 29, 201912:59 Saitama, JapanCatchweight (160 lb) bout.
Loss19–5 Patrício Pitbull TKO (punches) Bellator 221 May 11, 201911:01 Rosemont, Illinois, United StatesLost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win19–4 Brent Primus Decision (unanimous) Bellator 212 December 14, 201855:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United StatesWon the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win18–4 Brandon Girtz Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 197 April 13, 201814:00 St. Charles, Missouri, United States
Win17–4 Goiti Yamauchi Decision (unanimous) Bellator 192 January 20, 201835:00 Inglewood, California, United States
Loss16–4 Brent Primus TKO (doctor stoppage) Bellator NYC June 24, 201712:22 New York City, New York, United StatesLost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win16–3 Benson Henderson Decision (split) Bellator 165 November 19, 201655:00 San Jose, California, United StatesDefended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win15–3 Patricky Pitbull KO (punch) Bellator 157: Dynamite 2 June 24, 201612:14 St. Louis, Missouri, United StatesWon the vacant Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win14–3 David Rickels TKO (punches) Bellator 145 November 6, 201523:05 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win13–3 Derek Campos Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 138 June 19, 201512:17 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Loss12–3 Will Brooks TKO (punches) Bellator 131 November 15, 201443:48 San Diego, California, United StatesFor the vacant Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Loss12–2 Will Brooks Decision (split) Bellator 120 May 17, 201455:00 Southaven, Mississippi, United StatesFor the interim Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Loss12–1 Eddie Alvarez Decision (split) Bellator 106 November 2, 201355:00 Long Beach, California, United StatesLost the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win12–0 David Rickels KO (punches) Bellator 97 July 31, 201310:44 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United StatesDefended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win11–0 Rick Hawn Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 85 January 17, 201323:07 Irvine, California, United StatesDefended the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win10–0 Akihiro Gono TKO (punches) Bellator 67 May 4, 201210:56 Rama, Ontario, CanadaNon-title bout.
Win9–0 Eddie Alvarez Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 58 November 19, 201143:06 Hollywood, Florida, United StatesWon the Bellator Lightweight World Championship Fight of the Year (2011).
Win8–0 Patricky Pitbull Decision (unanimous) Bellator 44 May 14, 201135:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United StatesWon the Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament.
Win7–0 Lloyd Woodard Decision (unanimous) Bellator 40 April 9, 201135:00 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United StatesBellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win6–0 Marcin Held Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 36 March 12, 201113:56 Shreveport, Louisiana, United StatesLightweight debut. Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win5–0Chris PageSubmission (standing guillotine choke) Bellator 32 October 14, 201010:57 Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesCatchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win4–0Scott StappTKO (punches) Bellator 31 September 30, 201011:57 Lake Charles, Louisiana, United StatesCatchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win3–0Sal WoodsSubmission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery May 15, 201010:59 St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Win2–0Richard BouphanouvongTKO (punches) Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears November 20, 200922:07 Kansas City, Kansas, United StatesCatchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win1–0Kyle SwadleyTKO (punches)First BloodAugust 8, 200913:30 Lake Ozark, Missouri, United StatesWelterweight debut.

[127]

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV Buys
1. UFC 262 Oliveira vs. ChandlerMay 15, 2021 Toyota Center Houston, Texas, United States300,000 [128]

NCAA record

NCAA Championships Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEvent
2009 NCAA Championships 5th at 157 lbs [129]
Win10–8Matt Moley2–1March 19–21, 20092009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss9–8 Gregor Gillespie MD 2–10
Win9–7Tyler SafratowichMD 13–5
Win8–7Jonny Bonilla-Bowman6–5
Loss7–7Jordan Leen2–4
Win7–6Chase Pami6–0
Win6–6Kurt Kinser4–3
2008 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs [130]
Loss5–6Brandon Becker2–8March 20–22, 20082008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss5–5Michael Poeta3–7
Win5–4Cyler Sanderson5–3
Win4–4Dave Nakasone5–3
2007 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs [131]
Loss3–4Ryan Hluschak5–10March 15–17, 20072007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win3–3Chris OliverMD 11–2
Win2–3Tyler ShirleyFall
Loss1–3 Bubba Jenkins MD 3–15
2006 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs [132]
Loss1–2Brandon Becker4–10March 16–18, 2006 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss1–1Ben Cherrington1–8
Win1–0Matt Lebe3–2

See also

Related Research Articles

Roger Huerta is an American mixed martial artist currently fighting in the lightweight division. He initially gained exposure by competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bellator Fighting Championships and later ONE Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Alvarez</span> American mixed martial artist

Eddie Alvarez is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of BKFC. He also formerly competed in the UFC and Bellator MMA, and also One FC winning world titles in each of the first two: the UFC Lightweight Championship once and the Bellator Lightweight World Championship twice. Alvarez was the first Lightweight champion in Bellator MMA. He has also competed for the Japanese DREAM promotion, where he fought in their inaugural Lightweight Grand Prix. Alvarez also fought once for ProElite's EliteXC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bellator MMA</span> American mixed martial arts promoter

Bellator MMA is an American mixed martial arts promotion founded in 2008. At one point considered the second largest in the United States and one of the largest combat sport promotions in the world, Bellator's first event was held in 2009, and the promotion has since held over 300 "numbered" events. The promotion takes its name from bellātor, the Latin word for "warrior".

Ryan Duane Couture is an American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2009, he has formerly competed for the UFC and Strikeforce. He is the son of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benson Henderson</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1983)

Benson Henderson is an American former professional mixed martial artist, who most recently competed in the Lightweight division for Bellator MMA. He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion. He is considered one of the greatest lightweight MMA fighters of all time and is tied with BJ Penn and Khabib Nurmagomedov for most UFC lightweight title defences.

Bobby Green is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2008, Green is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion and Junior Welterweight Champion, and in addition he has also competed in Tachi Palace Fights, Strikeforce, and Affliction. As of April 16, 2024, he is #15 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Oliveira</span> Brazilian mixed martial artist (born 1989)

Charles Oliveira da Silva is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and third degree black belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.

Patrício Freire, known professionally as Patrício Pitbull, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in Bellator MMA where he is the current three-time Bellator Featherweight Champion and former Bellator Lightweight Champion. He is the younger brother of lightweight fighter Patricky Pitbull. He is the second-ever simultaneous two-weight champion in Bellator MMA history, and is widely considered to be the best Bellator fighter of all-time. He is also considered one of the best ever, pound-for-pound, to have never fought in the UFC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Johnson (fighter)</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Michael Johnson is an American professional mixed martial artist. Johnson currently fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Johnson mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing onto the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, in which he was the runner-up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcin Held</span> Polish mixed martial arts fighter

Marcin Held is a Polish mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW). He is currently ranked #7 in the KSW Lightweight rankings. He formerly competed in the Lightweight division of the Absolute Championship Berkut, Professional Fighters League, and Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Held has competed frequently in his home country of Poland and is highly touted by the media, often being regarded as "the prodigy of Polish MMA". He fought in Bellator MMA from 2010 to 2016, challenging for the Bellator Lightweight Championship in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dustin Poirier</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1989)

Dustin Glenn Poirier is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion. As of April 16, 2024, he is #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Patricky Freire, known professionally as Patricky Pitbull, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's Lightweight division, where he is a former Bellator Lightweight Champion. He is the older brother of featherweight fighter Patrício Pitbull.

Brent Primus is an American mixed martial artist currently competing for Bellator MMA, where he is the former Bellator Lightweight World Champion.

2016 in Bellator MMA was the eighth year in the history of Bellator MMA, a mixed martial arts promoter based in the United States. Bellator held 23 events in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Gaethje</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1988)

Justin Ray Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2011, he is a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion, and former UFC BMF Champion. He is the second fighter in the history of the UFC to be awarded the BMF championship after winning the title at UFC 291. As of April 16, 2024, he is #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

A. J. McKee is an American professional mixed martial artist. He is currently competing in Bellator's Featherweight and Lightweight division, where he is the former Bellator Featherweight Champion.

Sidney Outlaw is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division. A professional since 2013, he has competed in promotions such as Bellator MMA and Titan FC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UFC 274</span> Mixed martial arts event in 2022

UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on May 7, 2022, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

Peter Queally is an Irish mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2012, he has also competed for Extreme Fighting Championship, BAMMA, Cage Warriors and Fight Nights Global.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Usman Nurmagomedov</span> Russian mixed martial arts fighter

Usman Magomednabiyevich Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA, where he is the current Bellator Lightweight Champion. He has previously competed in the UAE Warriors and Eagle Fighting Championship. He is the younger brother of UFC fighter Umar Nurmagomedov and a cousin of former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

References

  1. ↑ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  2. ↑ Andrew Mahlmann (March 15, 2011). "Bellator Stud Michael Chandler Talks About Xtreme Couture, Career and More". Bleacher Report .
  3. 1 2 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. ↑ https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/conor_mcgregor_vs_michael_chandler_odds_early_ufc_303_picks_and_predictions_for_june_29/s1_17354_40252864
  10. ↑ "Michael Chandler | UFC". UFC.com. 19 October 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  11. ↑ Imhoff, Michael (2017-06-19). "How Michael Chandler became a two-time MMA champion". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  12. ↑ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  13. 1 2 "The Official Website of Michael Chandler". Archived from the original on November 21, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  14. 1 2 "Michael Chandler Bio - Official Athletic Site Official Athletic Site - Wrestling". Mutigers.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2015-07-09.
  15. ↑ "How the bond between Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren changed Missouri wrestling". ESPN.com. 2020-05-26. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  16. ↑ "MMA Career". Michael Chandler. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  17. ↑ "Bellator Signs Undefeated Michael Chandler". Full Contact Fighter. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  18. ↑ "Strikeforce finalizes Saturday's "Heavy Artillery" card, Beerbohm vs. "Shaolin" set". MMA Junkie . May 10, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Mizzou's next MMA star: Strikeforce's Mike Chandler seeks to match rise of Tyron Woodley". MMA Junkie . 2010-05-18. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  20. ↑ "15 of the best male Bellator fighters of all-time". FanSided. 2019-08-11. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  21. ↑ "Michael Chandler". www.monsterenergy.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  22. ↑ "Michael Chandler signed for Bellator's lightweight tournament". MMA Interplay. 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  23. ↑ "Undefeated Mike Chandler added to Bellator's season-four lightweight tourney". MMA Junkie . February 8, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Marcin Held completes lightweight tourney field, meets Mike Chandler at Bellator 36". MMA Junkie]. February 12, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Bellator Lightweight Michael Chandler Looking to Make a Strong Statement by Winning Tournament". Bloody Elbow. 2011-03-24. Retrieved 2015-07-09.
  26. ↑ Fagan, Mike (2011-04-09). "Bellator 40 Results: Michael Chandler Wrestles A Decision From Lloyd Woodard". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  27. ↑ John Morgan (April 13, 2011). "Michael Chandler vs. Patricky "Pitbull" Freire added to Bellator 44". MMA Junkie .
  28. ↑ Fagan, Mike (2011-05-14). "Bellator 44 Results: Michael Chandler Outworks Patricky Freire To A Decision". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  29. ↑ Jesse Holland (July 28, 2011). "Bellator 54: Eddie Alvarez vs Michael Chandler set for Oct. 15 in Atlantic City". MMA Mania.
  30. ↑ DeRose, Sal. "Eddie Alvarez Pulling out of Bellator 54 Title Fight with Michael Chandler". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  31. ↑ "Champ Eddie Alvarez meets Michael Chandler at November's Bellator 58". MMA Junkie. 2011-10-13.
  32. ↑ Brian Knapp (November 1, 2013). "As It Happened: Chandler vs. Alvarez 1". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  33. ↑ "Bellator 67 - Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario - Bellator Fighting Championships". Bellator.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  34. ↑ Myers, Thomas (2012-05-05). "Video: Michael Chandler smashes Akihiro Gono in less than 60 seconds at Bellator 67". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  35. ↑ Ken Pishna (December 11, 2012). "Bellator Lands on Thursday Nights on Spike TV; Kicking Off Move with Back-to-Back Stacked Cards". mmaweekly.com.
  36. ↑ Rondina, Steven. "Bellator 85: Michael Chandler Defeats Rick Hawn". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  37. ↑ "Bellator 96 adds heavyweight tournament; moves to three hours". mmamania.com. May 15, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Dave Jansen Injured, Bellator Champ Michael Chandler Gets New Opponent, New Date | MMAWeekly.com". 2013-06-02. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  39. ↑ "Dave Jansen off Bellator 96, David Rickels meets Michael Chandler at Bellator 97". MMA Junkie. 2013-06-02. Retrieved 2013-06-02.
  40. ↑ McCarter, Nathan. "Bellator 97 Results: Michael Chandler Earns Quick KO Over David Rickels". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  41. ↑ John Morgan (August 13, 2013). "Eddie Alvarez and Bellator mend fences, book Michael Chandler rematch for PPV". MMA Junkie . Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  42. ↑ Homistek, Hunter. "Bellator 106: Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez II Results". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  43. ↑ Matt Erickson (March 1, 2014). "Bellator pay-per-view set for May 17 with Alvarez-Chandler III headliner". MMA Junkie .
  44. ↑ "Eddie Alvarez suffers concussion, out of Bellator 120". mmafighting.com. 2014-05-10. Retrieved 2014-05-10.
  45. ↑ Dave Doyle (May 10, 2014). "Will Brooks replaces Eddie Alvarez, faces Michael Chandler as Bellator 120 stays on PPV". mmafighting.com.
  46. ↑ Kontek, Riley. "Michael Chandler vs. Will Brooks: What We Learned from Interim Title Fight". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  47. ↑ "Tito Ortiz-Stephan Bonnar, Will Brooks-Michael Chandler set for Nov. 15 Bellator". sherdog.com. September 5, 2014.
  48. ↑ "Bellator 145's Michael Chandler: 'I just know I'm better than Will Brooks'". MMA Junkie . 2015-10-28. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  49. ↑ Staff (March 24, 2015). "Michael Chandler vs. Derek Campos joins Bellator 138, which moves to June 19". MMA Junkie.
  50. ↑ "Bellator 138 results: Michael Chandler overwhelms Derek Campos in first". MMA Junkie . 2015-06-20. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  51. ↑ "Bellator 145 Fight Card". bellator.com. 2015-11-06.
  52. ↑ Lyons, Joe. "Chandler gets Rickels again at Bellator 145". STLtoday.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  53. ↑ "Michael Chandler, Patricky 'Pitbull' to Vie for Vacant Lightweight Title". sherdog.com. May 14, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Twitter reacts to Michael Chandler's one-punch knockout of Patricky Freire at Bellator 157". MMA Junkie . 2016-06-25. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  55. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (October 11, 2016). "Vassell vs. Carmont, Girtz vs. Piccolotti Announced for Bellator 165 Main Card". Sherdog .
  56. ↑ "Bellator 237 free fight: Michael Chandler edges Benson Henderson in lightweight title defense". MMA Junkie . 2019-12-27. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  57. ↑ Marc Raimondi (March 23, 2017). "Michael Chandler vs. Brent Primus title fight set for Bellator 180". mmafighting.com.
  58. ↑ Steven Marrocco (June 24, 2017). "Bellator NYC results: Brent Primus wins lightweight title with injury TKO over Michael Chandler". MMA Junkiem.
  59. ↑ Jay Anderson (November 18, 2017). "Michael Chandler to face Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 192". cagesidepress.com.
  60. ↑ "Sonnen unanimous over 'Rampage' at Bellator 192". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  61. ↑ Mike Johnston (January 30, 2018). "Michael Chandler vs. Brent Primus rematch set for Bellator 197". Sportsnet .
  62. ↑ Brett Okamoto (2018-03-22). "Bellator's Michael Chandler blasts 'coward' Freire, questions Primus". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  63. ↑ "Bellator 197 results: Michael Chandler puts Brandon Girtz to sleep with first-round choke". MMA Junkie . 2018-04-14. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  64. ↑ Dan Hiergesell (June 23, 2018). "Report: Michael Chandler's Bellator MMA contract due to expire 'imminently'". mmamania.com.
  65. ↑ Brett Okamoto (August 22, 2018). "Sources: Michael Chandler signs exclusive deal with Bellator". espn.com.
  66. ↑ John Morgan (October 11, 2018). "Brent Primus vs. Michael Chandler rematch headlines new Bellator 'Salute the Troops' event in Hawaii". MMA Junkie.
  67. ↑ "Bellator 212 results: Primus vs Chandler 2". mmafighting.com. December 15, 2018.
  68. ↑ Jay Anderson (February 14, 2019). "Patricio Pitbull vs. Michael Chandler Set for Bellator 221, Jack Swagger Returns". cagesidepress.com.
  69. ↑ "Bellator 221 results, highlights: Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire stuns Michael Chandler with first-round TKO". CBSSports.com. May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  70. ↑ Jay Pettry (October 25, 2019). "Michael Chandler-Benson Henderson Rematch Set for Bellator Japan". sherdog.com.
  71. ↑ Alexander K. Lee (December 5, 2019). "Benson Henderson out of Bellator Japan, Michael Chandler to face Sidney Outlaw". mmafighting.com.
  72. ↑ "Bellator 237 results: Michael Chandler punches out Sidney Outlaw in less than three minutes". MMA Junkie . 2019-12-29. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  73. ↑ Martin, Damon (2020-03-09). "Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2 rebooked for Bellator event on June 6". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  74. ↑ stevejuon (2020-04-21). "Bellator 244: 'Chandler vs Henderson 2' on June 6 postponed due to coronavirus". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  75. ↑ "Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2, Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Johnson set for Bellator 243". MMA Junkie . 2020-07-23. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  76. ↑ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2020-08-07). "Bellator 243 Results: Chandler vs. Henderson 2". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  77. ↑ Nolan King (August 5, 2020). "A free agent after Bellator 243, Michael Chandler keeping options open". MMA Junkie.
  78. ↑ Lee, Alexander K. (2020-09-17). "Michael Chandler signs with UFC, set to serve as backup for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 254". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  79. ↑ "Michael Chandler's octagon debut set vs. Dan Hooker at UFC 257". MMA Junkie . 2021-01-04. Retrieved 2021-01-04.
  80. ↑ Evanoff, Josh (2021-01-23). "UFC 257 Results: Michael Chandler Lives Up to Expectations, KO's Dan Hooker". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  81. 1 2 Stephie Haynes (2021-01-24). "UFC 257 post-fight bonuses: Poirier stops McGregor in second round". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  82. ↑ "BREAKING: UFC books Michael Chandler – Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title". Empire Sports Media. 2021-03-19. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
  83. ↑ Anderson, Jay (2021-05-16). "UFC 262 Results: Charles Oliveira Stuns Michael Chandler to Claim Lightweight Title". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  84. ↑ "Sources: Gaethje-Chandler added to UFC 268". ESPN.com. 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
  85. ↑ Evanoff, Josh (2021-11-06). "UFC 268 Results: Justin Gaethje Defeats Michael Chandler In FOTY Contender". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-11-07.
  86. 1 2 Lee, Alexander K. (2021-11-07). "UFC 268 bonuses: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler thriller leads night of six winners". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-11-07.
  87. 1 2 Thomas Gerbasi (December 25, 2021). "The Ten Best Fights Of 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  88. 1 2 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 .
  89. 1 2 Mike Bohn (January 5, 2022). "MMA Junkie's Fight of the Year for 2021: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". MMA Junkie .
  90. 1 2 "MMA Fighting's 2021 Fight of the Year: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". MMA Fighting. 2021-12-28.
  91. 1 2 Tristen Critchfield (December 26, 2021). "Sherdog's 2021 Fight of the Year". Sherdog .
  92. 1 2 "Fight Of The Year – LowKickMMA 2021 Awards". lowkickmma.com. Retrieved 2021-12-27.
  93. 1 2 Harry Davies (December 25, 2021). "UFC awards 2021 including best fight to best KO and biggest upset". Daily Mirror .
  94. 1 2 Kevin Iole (December 28, 2021). "2021 MMA Fight of the Year: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler an instant classic". Yahoo! Sports .
  95. 1 2 Tom Taylor (December 21, 2021). "Bleacher Report 2021 MMA Awards: Best Fight". Bleacher Report .
  96. ↑ Alexander, Mookie (2022-03-09). "Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson added to UFC 274". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  97. ↑ "UFC 274 results: Michael Chandler brutally knocks out Tony Ferguson with insane front kick". MMA Junkie . 2022-05-08. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  98. 1 2 Anderson, Jay (2022-05-08). "UFC 274: Chandler, Fialho Earn Performance of the Night Bonuses". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  99. 1 2 Haynes, Stephie (2022-05-08). "UFC 274 post-fight bonuses: Chandler plants Ferguson with KOTY candidate". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  100. ↑ Damon Martin (2022-09-07). "Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier official for UFC 281; Chandler inks new deaL". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  101. ↑ Jay Anderson (2022-11-12). "UFC 281: Dustin Poirier Overcomes Early Adversity, Subs Michael Chandler in Wild Fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
  102. 1 2 Dan Hiergesell (2022-11-13). "UFC 281 bonuses: Poirier vs. Chandler capture FOTN honors". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
  103. ↑ Harkness, Ryan (2023-02-17). "McGregor lands in Las Vegas as shooting for The Ultimate Fighter begins". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
  104. ↑ Theodosi, Jamie (2023-02-04). "Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler confirmed for TUF season 31". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  105. ↑ Martin, Damon (2024-04-14). "Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler finally official for UFC 303". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  106. ↑ Michael Chandler's instagram
  107. ↑ Mindenhall, Chuck (2017-12-24). "How everything changed for Michael Chandler in just six minutes". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  108. ↑ "Michael Chandler adopts second child just two weeks before UFC 274". mmaweekly.com. April 22, 2022.
  109. ↑ "TRAINING CAMP - Nashville, TN". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  110. 1 2 UFC (2022-01-16). "Dana White's 2021 President's Choice Awards - UFC Honors". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
  111. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (December 26, 2021). "THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2021". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  112. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (June 29, 2021). "The Newcomers - 2021 Half-Year Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  113. ↑ Mike Bohn (September 9, 2019). "Bellator 226 post-event facts: Even without win, Ryan Bader makes history". MMA Junkie.
  114. 1 2 3 4 5 Mike Bohn (August 4, 2020). "Bellator 243 pre-event facts: The many records of Michael Chandler". MMA Junkie.
  115. ↑ "MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for June: Which brutal finish took the cake?". MMA Junkie . 2016-06-30.
  116. ↑ Mike Bohn (June 4, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for May: A back-and-forth title fight". MMA Junkie .
  117. ↑ Mike Bohn (November 30, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for November: A lightweight war for the ages". MMA Junkie .
  118. ↑ Mike Bohn (May 31, 2022). "MMA Junkie's Knockout of the Month for May: Michael Chandler punts Tony Ferguson". MMAjunkie.com .
  119. ↑ Brian Knapp (January 4, 2012). "Sherdog's 2011 Breakthrough of the Year: Michael Chandler". Sherdog .
  120. ↑ Lev Pisarsky (December 31, 2021). "Sherdog's 2021 Round of the Year". Sherdog .
  121. ↑ "Sherdog's 2022 Knockout of the Year".
  122. ↑ "MMA 2021 Year in Review: Fight of the Year". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  123. ↑ Staff (2023-01-01). "MMA 2022 Year in Review: Knockout of the Year". Cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  124. ↑ Haran Naresh (January 25, 2022). "Combat Press 2021 MMA Awards: Fight of the Year – Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler". combatpress.com.
  125. ↑ 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.
  126. ↑ MMA Fighting Newswire (2022-12-09). "2022 World MMA Awards Results". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  127. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Michael Chandler". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  128. ↑ "UFC 262: Oliveira vs. Chandler | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  129. ↑ "National Wrestling Hall of Fame - NCAA Brackets" (PDF).
  130. ↑ "78th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/20/2008 to 3/22/2008 in St. Louis" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  131. ↑ "77th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/15/2007 to 3/17/2007 at Auburn Hills" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  132. ↑ "76th NCAA Wrestling Tournament 3/16/2006 to 3/18/2006 at Oklahoma City" (PDF). wrestlingstats.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.