Michael Chandler News

Adam D Martin - July 18, 2021

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev called out Michael Chandler, saying that “you come from Bellator, I want to check your skills.” Makhachev defeated Thiago Moises in the main event of UFC Vegas 31 via fourth-round submission, and it was the type of statement win that should earn the No. 9 ranked lightweight in the UFC a step up in competition. Following his win over Moises, Makhachev took the mic and called out Rafael dos Anjos, the former UFC lightweight champion. But in his post-event interview with reporter Heidi Androl, Makhachev used it as an opportunity to call out Chandler, the former Bellator lightweight champion turned UFC fighter and analyst.

Harry Kettle - June 2, 2021

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has said he’s happy to see Charles Oliveira hold the gold at 155 pounds. After retiring from mixed martial arts last year, Khabib left the door open for one of many top lightweights to rise up and claim the belt. Last month, Charles Oliveira answered the call with a phenomenal comeback win over Michael Chandler in Houston.

Adam D Martin - May 27, 2021

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler welcomes a fan-friendly fight with Justin Gaethje, promising a highlight-reel finish either way. Chandler recently lost in his bid to become the new UFC lightweight champion when he was finished by Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 262. Though Chandler was stopped in the second round of the fight, it was an incredible match for as long as it lasted, and Chandler had a ton of success in the first round, nearly finishing Oliveira. So despite the fact he was stopped in the fight, his stock overall didn’t drop that much in the division.

Drake Riggs - May 24, 2021

Eddie Alvarez has gone to war on numerous occasions throughout his legendary career. It now looks like two of his most notable opponents could square off next. Both of Alvarez’s encounters with fellow former Bellator lightweight king Michael Chandler were instant classics. The same can be said for his UFC 218 bout against Justin Gaethje. Now that both have suffered losses in their most recent title opportunities, UFC President Dana White seemingly still likes the idea of matching the two together.

Cole Shelton - May 20, 2021

The pay-per-view buy rate for UFC 262 is reportedly in. According to John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal, UFC 262 sold 300,000 PPV buys on ESPN+ in the United States. That number does not include international buys, as it is domestic buys only.

Adam D Martin - May 18, 2021

Michael Chandler issued a video statement following his TKO loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262, saying that “The best is still yet to come.” Chandler, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, took on Oliveira in the main event at this past Saturday’s UFC 262 pay-per-view event. After a strong start in the first round, which even saw him earn two 10-8 scorecards from the judges, Chandler started to tire and was knocked out by Oliveira early in the second round. It was Chandler’s first loss in the UFC after beating Dan Hooker in his promotional debut earlier this year, and this one hurt because he lost his chance to be the UFC champion, which is his dream. However, Chandler remains positive and promises his fans that he will still hold the gold one day.

Cole Shelton - May 16, 2021

The UFC was back in front of a full capacity crowd on Saturday night in Houston, Texas for UFC 262. The card saw the vacant lightweight title up for grabs as Charles Oliveira took on Michael Chandler. Tony Ferguson also took on Beneil Dariush in a pivotal co-main event. The event, despite losing some big fights, ended up delivering as Oliveira rallied after being dropped in the first to TKO Chandler in the second to become the new champ. Dariush, meanwhile, used his grappling to dominate Ferguson and win a clear-cut 30-27.

Chris Taylor - May 16, 2021

Michael Chandler was looking to earn his fourth consecutive knockout and the lightweight title when he squared off with Charles Oliveira at UFC 262. Chandler (22-6 MMA) had entered tonight’s event with a ton of momentum having earned three first round finishes in a row. During that stretch ‘Iron’ had scored stoppage wins over Sidney Outlaw, Benson Henderson and Dan Hooker.

Chris Taylor - May 15, 2021

Charles Oliveira is not closing the door on a return to featherweight after defeating Michael Chandler for the lightweight title at tonight’s UFC 262 event. Oliveira (31-8 MMA) and Chandler (22-6 MMA) squared off for the promotions vacant lightweight title this evening in Houston.

Christopher Taylor - May 15, 2021

Former two-division champion Conor McGregor was clearly watching tonight’s UFC 262 main event between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira. Oliveira (31-8 MMA) and Chandler (22-6 MMA) squared off for the promotions vacant lightweight title this evening in Houston.

Christopher Taylor - May 15, 2021

Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier clearly tuned in to watch Michael Chandler take on Charles Oliveira at tonight’s UFC 262 event. Oliveira (31-8 MMA) and Chandler (22-6 MMA) squared off for the promotions vacant lightweight title this evening in Houston.

Chris Taylor - May 15, 2021

The Octagon returned to Houston for tonight’s UFC 262 event, a twelve-bout fight card headlined by Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira. The highly anticipated lightweight title fight proved to be a tale of two rounds. Michael Chandler was able to get off to a strong start in round one, hurting Charles Oliveira on number of occasions. However, things changed drastically in the opening seconds of round two. ‘Do Bronx’ landed a big right hand that had the former Bellator title holder hurt and promptly finished him off with a plethora of punches.

Chris Taylor - May 15, 2021

Tonight’s UFC 262 event is headlined by a lightweight championship fight featuring Michael Chandler squaring off with Charles Oliveira. Oliveira (30-8 MMA) will enter the contest sporting an impressive eight-fight winning streak. During that stretch ‘Do Bronx’ has earned seven finishes, with his lone decision victory coming in lopsided fashion against Tony Ferguson.

Chris Taylor - May 15, 2021

Dana White has responded after Tony Ferguson insinuated that Michael Chandler received his UFC 262 title shot due to “Dana White privilege”. During Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, ‘El Cucuy’ took aim at Chandler by suggesting the former Bellator champ had “dodged him” and was then handed a title shot.

Chris Taylor - May 14, 2021

The Octagon returns to Houston for tonight’s UFC 262 event, a twelve-bout fight card headlined by Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler. Oliveira (30-8 MMA) and Chandler (22-5 MMA) will be squaring off for the promotions currently vacant lightweight title.

Cole Shelton - May 14, 2021

Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler touched noses in an intense faceoff ahead of their fight tomorrow night at UFC 262. In the main event of the pay-per-view card, Oliveira and Chandler are set to fight for the vacant lightweight title. It’s a very intriguing matchup and in the lead-up to the scrap, both men have promised finishes. When they came face-to-face at the weigh-ins on Friday, it was intense and neither man was back down.

Cole Shelton - May 13, 2021

Charles Oliveira expects to become the new UFC lightweight champion on Saturday. In the main event of UFC 262, Oliveira and Michael Chandler are set to fight for the vacant lightweight title in front of a full capacity crowd in Houston, Texas. It’s a very intriguing matchup as the Brazilian is on an eight-fight winning streak and he is no longer just considered a grappler he once was.

Cole Shelton - May 13, 2021

Tony Ferguson had some harsh words for Michael Chandler and believes he was handed a UFC title shot. After Chandler signed with the UFC, he was linked to fights with Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson. The latter of which was supposed to take place in October at UFC 254, but due to contract negotiations, the fight never took place. According to “El Cucuy” he says it was on Chandler’s side.