A former fighter has questioned how Michael Chandler has kept his place in the top 10 of the lightweight rankings despite failing to record a single “quality win” in the UFC.
The former Bellator champion will be defending his #7 spot in the 155-pound division five months on from a defeat to Charles Oliveira that has left him 2-4 in the UFC.
And the two victories on that résumé — knockouts of Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson in 2021 and 2022, respectively — aren’t enough to make former UFC welterweight Matt Brown believe Chandler’s position in the top 10 is warranted.
“The problem with Michael Chandler, he doesn’t have a quality win in the UFC,” Brown said during a recent episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer. “I mean you could debatably say Dan Hooker. How high quality of a win was Dan Hooker at that time? I think (Hooker has) been on a streak, and he’s finally come into his own since then. I think it would be a higher quality win today than it was then but Tony Ferguson isn’t a quality win. I don’t think anybody’s going to argue that.
“I don’t know how Michael Chandler is in the top 10. I love Michael Chandler, I’m not hating on him at all, but most people have to win fights to get into the top 10. He just didn’t,” Brown continued. “Sometimes the rankings are kind of odd. They’re subjective, not really objective. But regardless, my point is we’re going to find out a lot about Paddy Pimblett because this is definitely the toughest guy that he’s fought.”
UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan didn’t take too kindly to some comments out of Paddy Pimblett.
As he gears up for a crucial showdown with Michael Chandler in the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, Pimblett recently had a different top-10 contender at 155 pounds on his mind.
Tsarukyan responded on X, criticizing the Liverpudlian for a supposed ‘easy’ path up the ladder on MMA’s biggest stage. He also ‘dared’ Pimblett to call him out if he emerges victorious this Saturday night in Miami.
says the guy who got the easiest path to the top in ufc just because he’s got a funny accent and budget beatles haircut. I dare you to call me out if you win and we will see who will shit his pants in the octagon when we meet clown @PaddyTheBaddyhttps://t.co/TKbm1hn5X2
“Says the guy who got the easiest path to the top in ufc just because he’s got a funny accent and budget beatles haircut,” Tsarukyan wrote. “I dare you to call me out if you win and we will see who will shit his pants in the octagon when we meet clown @PaddyTheBaddy“
Tsarukyan has faced slack from more than one of his peers this year. Dan Hooker also jibed at the top contender for his last-second withdrawal from a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 this past January.
Michael Chandler has acknowledged the challenges of dealing with the public perception that he’s a cheater in the UFC.
Despite the noise surrounding him, he asserts that he is confident in his character ahead of his five-round co-main event clash against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami this Saturday.
Chandler is aware of the accusations that followed his loss to Dustin Poirier at Madison Square Garden and most recently against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
“I mean, the narrative is tough, man,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “People don’t really know me. Unless you’re in my inner circle, you don’t know who I truly am outside of [being] in front of the camera. People have their sneaky suspicions that I play nice in front of the camera, and I’m a bad guy behind the camera. You’re always going to have those accusations, right?
“But I know who I am, and I know who I am at my core; I’m a guy who tries to do things right, tries to treat people right, do things with honor and respect. So the cheating narrative is a little tough for me, but also, it’s all part of the court of public opinion, man.”
Chandler enters his upcoming 2025 octagon appearance with a record of 2-4 in his UFC career. He is now focused on ending a near three-year winless streak.
“Did I grab Dustin Poirier’s mouthpiece? Yes, I did, because I thought it was his chin,” Chandler said. “I’ve already addressed that one. Things happen in a fight. Are you going to reach over and grab the cage? Are you going to get your fingers in the glove? Yeah. Those things are going to happen in a fight.
“In the last fight, Charles Oliveira dug his chin so deep into my eye socket that I thought I was going to go blind, which is illegal. It’s an eye gouge, right? He was grabbing my gloves when he was trying to choke me. These things happen when you’re inside of the cage. I would never say that Charles Oliveira is a cheater. His body is reacting and doing things without his brain’s permission. You’re in fight or flight. Things happen. So it’s a tough narrative.”
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley says Michael Chandler will be coming up against a “beast” when he shares the Octagon with Paddy Pimblett.
The two ranked lightweights are set to do battle in the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, slated for the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
While Pimblett looks to extend his perfect UFC run en route to a further climb up the ladder at 155 pounds, Chandler plans on reviving his championship ambitions after Charles Oliveira sent him to a 2-4 UFC record last November.
During a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow alongside coach Tim Welch, O’Malley outlined his thoughts on Saturday’s co-headliner. “Sugar” had positive words for both men but laid particularly heavy praise on Paddy Pimblett.
“Paddy vs. Michael Chandler is such an interesting fight,” O’Malley said. “Michael Chandler is such a gangster for taking that fight. If he beats Paddy, that’s still a big win — if. Maybe not in some people’s eyes, but Paddy is f**king skilled. What he did to Bobby Green was super (impressive).
“It’s a big fight. Michael Chandler is a beast for taking that fight, Paddy’s a beast. I mean, Paddy, what he wants to do is climb the rankings. I think that fight makes so much sense,” O’Malley continued. “I don’t know who wins either. I feel like it’s gonna be very competitive.”
When fans last Saw Pimblett in action, he ran through King Green in quick time at UFC 304 last July. And having choked the veteran unconscious, “The Baddy” enters his first outing of 2025 ranked #12 in the lightweight division.
Michael Chandler has acknowledged one flaw in Paddy Pimblett’s game that could be exploited when they collide at UFC 314.
Chandler and Pimblett are set to co-headline this weekend’s pay-per-view in Miami, setting the stage for the vacant featherweight title clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.
For the ex-Bellator champion, the assignment marks an important one in the context of his UFC career after he fell to a 2-4 record in the Octagon courtesy of a second defeat to Charles Oliveira last November.
And as he gears up for an attempt to become the first to beat Pimblett in the promotion, Chandler has seemingly identified one area in which he could get the better of “The Baddy.”
During a recent Q&A session on X, “Iron” acknowledged the suggestion from a fan that Pimblett “leaves his chin in the air.”
Both of Chandler’s UFC wins to date came by way of knockout. After finishing Dan Hooker with strikes seconds into his debut, the 38-year-old later starched Tony Ferguson with a brutal head kick.
Ahead of fight week for the UFC 314 pay-per-view this Saturday, the promotion’s latest Countdown episode has been released.
Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes and the co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.
Saturday’s UFC 314 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with former featherweight kingpin Volkanovski (26-4) looking to become a two-time titleholder at 145 pounds.
Before those two collide in the main event at Miami’s Kaseya Center, there will be high stakes in the division above.
Setting the stage for UFC 314’s title bout will be a key lightweight contest between Chandler (23-9) and Pimblett (22-3). While “Iron” will return five months on from a second defeat to Charles Oliveira that has left him 2-4 in the UFC, the surging Scouser will look to carry the momentum from his quick submission of King Green last July en route to a place in the 155-pound title picture.
Should anything happen to either Michael Chandler or Paddy Pimblett, one top lightweight says he’s first in line to fill in at UFC 314.
Chandler and Pimblett are on a collision course for Miami, with the pair set to headline next weekend’s pay-per-view event inside the Kaseya Center. They’re tasked with setting the stage for a featherweight championship clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.
While the bout is highly anticipated given the potential connotations for the high-ranked veteran and the rising, charismatic prospect, fans know better than to assume both men will make it to the cage.
Should something happen that sees Chandler vs. Pimblett follow suit, the promotion seemingly has contingency plans in place.
Adrian Szymański recently shared a report from Polish outlet Super Express on X, which revealed comments from Mateusz Gamrot regarding a potential backup role for the UFC 314 co-main event.
Mateusz Gamrot zdradził, że otrzymał zapewnienie od UFC, że jest pierwszym zastępstwem w przypadku wypadnięcia Michaela Chandlera lub Paddy'ego Pimbletta z walki na UFC 314 w Miami. #UFC314 (@se_pl) pic.twitter.com/jARzV9YWNI
“Mateusz Gamrot revealed that he received an assurance from the UFC that he would be the first replacement in case Michael Chandler or Paddy Pimblett were to drop out of the fight at UFC 314 in Miami,” the post reads, translated from Polish.
Gamrot recently attempted to secure a short-notice opportunity to impress following Dan Hooker’s withdrawal from UFC 313. The vacant spot opposite Justin Gaethje ultimately went the way of Rafael Fiziev instead.
“Gamer” hasn’t competed since his showdown with Hooker in Australia last August, which he narrowly lost via split decision.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has inspired many with his dedication, relentless pursuit of goals, and inspiring mindset, particularly his focus on consistency and self-belief. It turns out that there are two notable fighters who have inspired him.
Chandler is known for his explosive fighting style, with strong wrestling and striking abilities. “Iron” is also known for his unwavering determination and hard work, both in and out of the Octagon. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in achieving goals, sharing his own journey as an example.
Chandler’s recent UFC record shows a mixed bag of results. His most recent outing last November at UFC 309 saw him lose to Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision after a full five rounds. Prior to that, at UFC 281 in 2022, he was submitted by Dustin Poirier with a rear-naked choke in the third round.
Chandler hasn’t secured a victory since May 2022 at UFC 274, where he knocked out Tony Ferguson with a front head kick in the second round.
While doing a Q&A on X, Chandler named Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren as two fighters who inspired him.
Looking ahead, Michael Chandler is scheduled to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, Florida. This upcoming fight presents an opportunity for Chandler to rebound from his recent losses and re-establish his position in the UFC lightweight division.
Chandler, who himself transitioned from Bellator to the UFC, understands the frustration faced by many former Bellator athletes following the PFL’s acquisition. He’s acknowledged the lack of consistent opportunities that contributed to Pitbull’s demand to be released and subsequent signing with the UFC.
This shared experience highlights the challenges of navigating a merger and the desire for top-level competition. Chandler has a history with the Freire family, including a loss to Patricio and wins over his brother Patricky.
Chandler has previously stated that he thinks Patricio’s move to the UFC will be a significant career change. He anticipates that the Brazilian will find the competition and opportunities within the UFC to be a substantial step up, providing a platform to truly showcase his skills on a global stage.
While doing a Q&A on X, Chandler was asked whether he was interested in renewing hostilities with Pitbull after the Paddy Pimblett fight at UFC 314. He said, “Nope. Never.”
With that in mind, it would appear unlikely that the pair’s past feud will cross over onto mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.
Both men will be focused on their respective pushes toward different divisional gold, with Michael Chandler targeting the lightweight belt and Patricio Pitbull looking to add UFC featherweight gold to his trophy cabinet.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is backing two of his former opponents as the leading candidates for the next title shot at 155 pounds.
The championship picture is somewhat unclear in the lightweight division after what unfolded at UFC 311. While Arman Tsarukyan entered the year at the front of the queue, a last-minute withdrawal cost him the opportunity. With that, it appears that the Russian-Armenian will need to once again defeat a fellow contender to re-earn the shot.
And that’s without even mentioning the arrival of Ilia Topuria, who is hoping for an immediate chance at achieving two-division glory after leaving behind his reign as featherweight kingpin.
The former Bellator champ omitted both Tsarukyan and Topuria from his answer when choosing the ‘most deserving’ of the next title shot, instead naming two stars who share three wins over “Iron” inside the Octagon.
“So hard to say… gaethje or oliveira,” Michael Chandler wrote.
After mounting a comeback to stop Chandler in their 2022 title fight, Oliveira once again got the better of the American in their rematch inside Madison Square Garden last November. In-between those results, Chandler fell short in a memorable Fight of the Year war with Gaethje.
With a knockout victory over Paddy Pimblett next month at UFC 314, Chandler is looking to make himself available for a quick turnaround for a clash with Makhachev at International Fight Week in June.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler expects his performance in Miami next month to be so impressive that it nets him another shot at the division’s title soon after.
After a second loss to Charles Oliveira left him 2-4 under the UFC banner, 2025 will mark a crucial year for Chandler and his ongoing championship ambitions on MMA’s biggest stage.
And more than just defending his #7 ranking in the fight, “Iron” is looking to stake his claim for a showdown with the lightweight king.
During a recent interview with Covers.com, Michael Chandler suggested it’s not far-fetched that an emphatic display opposite Pimblett next month could see him quickly placed opposite Makhachev for a summer showdown.
“There’s a world in which I go out there and emphatically starch Paddy Pimblett. And it’s the ‘what have you done for me lately business’,” Chandler said. “And all of a sudden, Islam wants to fight me and not someone else, and I fight him in June. Who knows? But with that being said, all of those names are on the table. Conor’s name was talked about. If Conor comes back this year I’m fighting him.
“I am open to fighting Islam in June. The way this fight plays out, I think I’ll have less than a 60 day suspension, maybe a 30 day suspension, and I could fight again in June because the fight would be June 29, I believe it is,” Chandler continued. “So that’s like, 10 weeks later, so I could jump right back into a training camp and fight for the world title.”
Makhachev is currently coming off his third defense of the lightweight crown, having submitted late-notice replacement opponent Renato Moicano at UFC 311 this past January.
With Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from that event costing him a title shot and talk of the Dagestani wanting Ilia Topuria to fight a contender before earning an opportunity at two-division glory, perhaps the door could be open for Chandler to make an impression.
During a recent interview with Oddspedia, Charles Oliveira gave his take on the bout, assessing his ex-opponent’s chances against the polarizing Liverpudlian.
“Michael Chandler is a very aggressive and explosive guy. I have nothing but respect for him, he has power in his hands,” Oliveira said. “On the other side, you have a younger guy that believes in himself, moves very well and has really good jiu-jitsu and also a good stand-up game. He moves well, but experience counts for a lot.
“In the first two rounds, Chandler has a chance to knock him out because of how explosive he is,” Oliveira continued. “But if the fight goes into the third round, I believe it’s going to be hard for Chandler because Paddy is younger and he’s very talented.”
Pimblett has gone to the scorecards twice in his UFC career thus far, securing a controversial decision over Jared Gordon and a more convincing one opposite Tony Ferguson.
A noteworthy UFC name has already volunteered to be a part of a potential relationship between the MMA organization and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with Michael Chandler raising his hand.
The development of a relationship between the U.S. government agency and the UFC would correlate alongside the friendship between US President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.
UFC 30 and UFC 31, both held during the first half of 2001, were the first UFC events held under Zuffa ownership – which included the introduction of White as then-UFC president. Both events took place at the then Trump Taj Mahal (now Boardwalk Hall) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
White has openly discussed how Trump’s venue helped pave a road to success for the UFC as Zuffa took the organization from the brink of folding to the worldwide juggernaut it is today. White has since re-paid the favor as Trump’s friend and one of his biggest supporters in his time in American politics.
Trump defeated Hillary Clinton to become the 45th U.S. President in November 2016 before losing to Joe Biden four years later. This past November, Trump defeated Kamala Harris to regain the U.S. presidency, becoming the second American president with two separate terms in office.
Chandler, meanwhile, will return to the Octagon on April 12 at UFC 314, taking on Paddy Pimblett in the card’s five-round co-main event.
Michael Chandler’s stance on a potential fight with Conor McGregor has shifted. While he hasn’t completely abandoned hope, his confidence in McGregor’s return to the octagon has diminished.
After years of anticipation and a canceled bout at UFC 303 due to McGregor’s injury, Chandler’s patience has worn thin. Now, he’s focused on his upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, marking a shift in priorities.
Despite his doubts, Chandler still believes that if McGregor does return, their fight should be the first on his list.
“Conor is always a part of it, man,” Chandler said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “His road back to the UFC goes through me. It goes straight through Nashville, Tennessee, and Michael Chandler. We’ve got to finish ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31.’ That is the UFC’s sentiment. I think it’s even his sentiment. He said, ‘I’m a man of my word.’
“Well, if you’re a man of your word, then there’s only one guy that you’re going to fight when you come back to the UFC — the guy who had a contract with your name on it. The guy who signed on the dotted line and still to this day never missed weight and never pulled out of a fight.”
While Chandler still hopes McGregor returns, he admits that, realistically, he wouldn’t put money on it happening.
“Heart of hearts is tough, man, because I think heart of hearts says Conor is coming back at some point. But if I’m a betting man, if I’m using my brain, I wouldn’t put money on it,” Chandler said. “But that’s where I’m at today, right now. I’m focused on a blonde dude from Liverpool.”
Chandler believes McGregor owes much of his success to the UFC and that walking away now would leave a gap in his legacy.
“Conor’s got to come back to his first love, the one thing that has given him every single shiny object he’s currently chasing,” Chandler continued. “Every single thing that he has can be tied back some way or the other to the UFC and the opportunity they gave him.”
Chandler also questioned whether McGregor would be satisfied with how his career ended if he never returned.
“Does he want his legacy to be, ‘My last fight I broke my leg, I touted the greatest comeback in combat sports history, I fooled everybody for a couple of years, and then signed on the dotted line to fight Michael Chandler, then pulled out of the fight never to return again?’ I don’t think he wants his legacy to be that.
“Then again, I haven’t walked a mile in that man’s shoes, so I’m not going to say what he is thinking. But my heart of hearts says he’s coming back at some point. But if I was a betting man, I ain’t putting money on it.”
Michael Chandler understands Patricio Pitbull’s decision to join the UFC.
Both fighters made the transition from being Bellator standouts to competing in the UFC, and Chandler acknowledges the frustration that many former Bellator athletes experienced due to a lack of consistent opportunities following the PFL’s acquisition of their employer.
This frustration ultimately led to Pitbull’s release and subsequent signing with the UFC.
Chandler, who has a personal history with the Freire family — including a 2019 first-round TKO loss to Patricio for the Bellator lightweight title and two victories over his brother, Patricky — believes Patricio will experience a significant career shift now that he’s in the UFC.
“Not surprised,” Chandler said on The Ariel Helwani Show regarding Freire’s UFC signing. “Not surprised at him or the laundry list of everybody who is tweeting at Donn Davis and PFL, and before that Bellator. It just continues to solidify that the UFC is the only place for mixed martial arts. Take it from me. Take it from a guy like Patricio ‘Pitbull.’ Two years from now, a year from now, sit him down on your show and have him answer honestly what the difference is and how much bigger it (UFC) is, how much more significant it is here.”
Chandler believes that the UFC provides a level of exposure and activity that was missing from the post-acquisition Bellator environment.
“If he plays his cards right and does his job, how much more lucrative it is. It’s very interesting. I have the best perspective of anybody in mixed martial arts when it comes to the significance of the UFC, and I love the UFC not because it’s the UFC. I love the UFC because I know what the opposite of the UFC is. I know what it’s like to be outside of the UFC.”
The upcoming UFC 314 event in Miami will mark a significant crossover moment for both Chandler and Pitbull. While the former co-headlines against Paddy Pimblett, the Brazilian will debut opposite Yair Rodriguez.
This fight represents Pitbull’s first chance to test himself against elite UFC competition after dominating Bellator for years.
Although there was bad blood between them in Bellator, Chandler admits that much of the tension stemmed from his own frustrations at the time.
“Honestly, I haven’t seen a fight. I haven’t seen one of his fights in a very long time, so I don’t know where his skillset is at,” Chandler said. “All I do know is I wish him well. There was a little bit of animosity, a little bit of bad blood. I think a lot of that actually stemmed from my discontent with where I was in my life, knowing that I was stuck in Bellator and wanted to get out. So I needed something to blame it on, and sometimes my opponents were that.”
He also reflected on a misunderstanding that escalated their feud.
“Patricio was an easy target because I had beat his brother, and he F-U’d me when I stood on the cage. And I said something about family, obviously because I thought his brother—they are by definition family. So when I used the word family, I think he was thinking I was talking about his wife and his kids and his mom and his aunts and all that stuff. So, it became a language barrier. Unfortunate set of circumstances, but I wish him well. I think he’s dynamic. I think he’s explosive.”
With both men now competing under the UFC banner, their past rivalry is behind them. Pitbull’s debut against Rodriguez could set the tone for his UFC career, while Chandler looks to make a statement against Pimblett.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has his first assignment of 2025 in the calendar, and it unsurprisingly won’t see the promotion revisiting plans for him to face Conor McGregor.
After waiting a considerable time for a showdown with the Irishman, Chandler finally moved on by rematching Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 last November.
A second defeat to “Do Bronx” has left the former Bellator champion with a 2-4 record under the UFC banner and outside the championship conversation at 155 pounds.
He’ll look to rectify that in 2025, starting with a five-round co-main event opposite one of the division’s most prominent rising names in Paddy Pimblett.
Fans were quick to give their thoughts on the news, taking to social media with predictions for the battle between experience and youth.
Many focused on the bout marking Chandler’s second since the canceled McGregor fight last July, while others went back and forth with their takes on who will emerge victorious inside Kaseya Center.
Gonna be weird seeing Chandler not fighting in a title elimination bout for once. Could be a repeat of the Oliveira fight or Chandler chins him early. Could see this one going multiple ways #UFC314#UFChttps://t.co/W5e7aHA7Rr
Very easy win for Paddy. They really done this lad every favour possible if he doesn't win the belt one day he should be ashamed his path has been put on a silver plate https://t.co/ZIxZZ6L9Yj
As much as love paddy, I've gotta take chandler on this one too… I just think he's gonna be put under to much pressure and fold, first real test for the baddy
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler is eyeing his next fight — and he’s got both an opponent and date in mind.
Chandler last competed in November 2024, returning from an ultimately failed layoff awaiting a planned showdown with Conor McGregor. Instead, “Iron” ran it back with Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
While he came close to defeating “Do Bronx” first time around to capture the title, he was soundly beaten in their rematch. And the result has left Chandler with a negative 2-4 record under the UFC banner.
The American will look to rectify that in 2025, potentially starting with a showdown opposite a rising name in the division this summer.
Pimblett most recently moved to 6-0 in the UFC with an emphatic first-round submission win over King Green last year, catapulting him into the rankings at #12.
“The Baddy” has since repeatedly teased a pursuit of Chandler next time out. And if the ex-Bellator champ’s post is any indication of the UFC’s plans, it looks as though he could be getting his wish in 2025.
While Paddy Pimblett is expected to make his Octagon return in the coming months, the rising UFC star has yet to secure an opponent.
Pimblett recently hinted at a potential clash with Michael Chandler, who is also in search of his next fight after his highly anticipated bout against Conor McGregor fell through last year.
Chandler, who has lost four of his last five fights, spent two years pursuing the McGregor matchup before finally moving on. Now, he’s eyeing other opportunities, including a showdown with “The Baddy.”
“You might talk to a lot of people from a fight perspective that (think) Paddy might be more dangerous than Conor at this point,” Chandler told InstantCasino.com (via Newsweek). “We haven’t seen Conor in three years. Name-wise? Yeah, you’re not gonna get a bigger name than Conor, but when it comes to training for an opponent (like Paddy), it brings me back to the Bellator days.”
Pimblett is undefeated in the UFC with a 6-0 record. His most recent victory was a submission win over King Green at UFC 304 last summer in London. Despite the Liverpudlian’s streak, Chandler believes many fans see him as the heavy favorite in this matchup.
“I’m supposed to beat Paddy Pimblett in a lot of people’s eyes, so that wells up even more motivation in me,” Chandler continued. “He’s a young and hungry guy. He’s got his whole career ahead of him, whereas I’ve been doing this for 10 years longer than him, so I like it, man. Whether I’m a 1000-1 underdog or a 1000-1 favorite, I put in all the work necessary to be successful on fight night.”
Chandler also acknowledged the financial and stylistic appeal of the fight, while maintaining his respect for Pimblett.
“I like the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett and making a ton of money,” Chandler said. “I don’t want to say it’s an easy fight, because I could go out there and slip on a banana peel and get knocked out in front of everybody, but let’s just say I like the fight stylistically. I like Paddy as a human. I think he’s one of the good ones. And with that being said, that does not stop me from wanting to separate him from consciousness.”
UFC 311 is set to be a huge week for Khabib Nurmagomedov but before he corners back-to-back title fights on Saturday night, he has had some complications to get through on his way to Los Angeles. A video on social media showed “The Eagle” being asked to either move seats or leave the plane following a conversation with a flight atendant.
This altercation stemmed from the fact that the former UFC lightweight champion was seating on the emergency exit row which requires the passengers to listen, understand and potentially participate in the safety procedures regarding the emergency door. Nurmagomedov did not see what the issue was but there seemed to be some caution regarding his understanding of English.
Nurmagomedov can even be heard saying in the video that he was asked ahead of time whether he knows English and he does so it wouldn’t be an issue. A fellow mixed martial artist has stuck up for the fighter turned coach on social media by outlining where some airlines may have double standards.
Khabib Nurmagomedov kicked off plane after dispute with flight crew
A flight attendant asked Khabib to confirm he could assist in an emergency for his exit row seat. Khabib didn't understand initially, and despite eventually agreeing, the crew doubted his ability. After… pic.twitter.com/NHOXl74cna
Michael Chandler made the argument that if there is an issue about Khabib sitting in the emergency row due to his English, why is that not the same for people who may not be physically or mentally dependable in that same situation. “Iron” Mike even referred to the retired athlete as the greatest of all time in his statement on the matter.
“If you’re going to kick our GOAT off the plane for a little accent, please start making passengers do a physical and mental fitness aptitude test before you let them sit in the exit row after uttering a one word, one syllable, ‘yes.’ Because I’ve seen some slugs in the exit row on flights. @TeamKhabib“
If you’re going to kick our GOAT off the plane for a little accent, please start making passengers do a physical and mental fitness aptitude test before you let them sit in the exit row after uttering a one word, one syllable, “yes.” Because I’ve seen some slugs in the exit row…
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev got his shot at gold in 2022, but he wasn’t pleased to have been usurped by a promotional newcomer the year before.
Makhachev long complained of those highly ranked at 155 pounds avoiding him amid the win streak that ultimately catapulted him to the top. And his frustration was compounded by Chandler’s arrival.
The former three-time Bellator titleholder debuted in January 2021 by quickly stopping Dan Hooker. That sole result was enough to secure Chandler a title shot, which he lost in dramatic fashion against Charles Oliveira.
During a recent interview uploaded to Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, Makhachev looked back on his feelings toward his journey up the ladder, reiterating his fury at seeing others rewarded before him despite doing less.
“We don’t have some easy way. Somebody can jump from like — like Michael Chandler, he jump from Bellator, one fight, he beat Dan Hooker, fight for the title,” Makhachev said. “For me, it’s not working. … Of course it makes me upset, you know, when somebody jump and fight for the belt before me.
“I had a long way. I fought like how many years but somebody come and beat one guy who is not like, top,” Makhachev added.
Things have ultimately worked out better for Makhachev, who defeated Oliveira to capture the title in 2022 and has since defended it successfully three times at the expense of Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.
Former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington likes his chances in a potential clash with Michael Chandler.
Sine the start of 2023, Chandler has had his sights firmly set on being the opposition for Conor McGregor’s comeback fight. And that appears to still be the case despite close to two years passing by.
In the meantime, the ex-Bellator titleholder faced and lost to Charles Oliveira last November, pushing him to a 2-4 record inside the Octagon. Nevertheless, his entertaining style looks to have kept the McGregor fight on the table.
But like last year, Chandler isn’t without backup options.
Last month, the veteran lightweight contender suggested he’d be open to doing battle with Covington up at welterweight. The comments came shortly before “Chaos” suffered a brutal loss at the hands of Joaquin Buckley in Tampa.
During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Covington looked ahead to what 2025 could have in store for him following two straight defeats. He noted Chandler’s interest in a fight, sharing the same sentiment while slipping in a steroid allegation for good measure.
“I don’t blame Michael for wanting the next biggest fight he could possibly get. That’s me,” Covington said. “So, he loves to get beat up. He loves to get his face smacked, and if that’s the fight the UFC wants, then I love that fight. … I hope it comes to fruition. But, I don’t know. I think he’s all talk, I don’t think he’s any walk.
“I see myself overpowering him. He’s definitely done some steroids to bulk up, so ’70 looks like a weight class he could fit into. … He’s like a (Islam) Makhachev. These guys are weight bullies. … There’s no reason he shouldn’t come up to 170,” Covington continued. “How I see the fight going, it’s a very easy fight. I see me breaking his will. If it’s five rounds, for sure he’s not hanging out. … I just see him quitting, him breaking, like in the Dustin (Poirier) fight. … It would be a catastrophe for him.”
With the result on Dec. 14, Covington is now 2-4 across his last six fights and 0-4 against those currently ranked inside the welterweight top 15.
While “Iron” has scored memorable knockouts of Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson, he’s tasted defeat twice as much as he has victory in the UFC, falling to Charles Oliveira twice in addition to Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
Despite the state of his Octagon record, however, Chandler remains highly ranked at #7. During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, the unranked Grant Dawson gave his assessment of that, calling for the veteran to be booted from the top 15.
“There are people who do not belong in the top 15 let alone the top 10,” Dawson said. “If you like at somebody like Michael Chandler, he’s 2-4 in the UFC. You put his record up against my record, 11-1 in the UFC, assuming I beat Diego (Ferreira). 11-1 in the UFC compared to 2-4 in the UFC, and you say, ‘Yeah, the 11-1 guy (is) not ranked. The 2-4 guy ranked in the top 10, top seven.’ It doesn’t make any sense.
“You’ve got these guys, they’re not looking to fight the up-and-comers,” Dawson continued. “They need to take Michael Chandler out of there.”
After going unbeaten across his first nine UFC fights and defeating the highly regarded Damir Ismagulov, Dawson broke through into the lightweight rankings. But a shock 33-second knockout loss to King Green quickly changed that.
The American Top Team standout has since been looking to work his way back up the ladder. Thus far, that’s seen him outpoint Joe Solecki and stop Rafa Garcia via TKO in back-to-back contests.
He’ll next look to make it three wins on the bounce when he collides with lightweight vet Diego Ferreira at UFC 311 in Los Angeles on Jan. 18.
Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett is gearing up for a huge fight next time out after putting together six consecutive wins inside the Octagon. The 29-year old submitted King Green in his latest outing at UFC 304 in July to enter the lightweight rankings at the #13-spot.
Many expect that “The Baddy” will be back in action when the UFC returns to home soil for the Brit with a Fight Night card set to take place at the O2 Arena in London on March 22. With some of the names around him already matched up, that creates some interesting discussion regarding who may be next for Pimblett.
One name that has already put himself in the mix is the #8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot who would be a solid step up for Pimblett given his stature in the division. However, in a recent YouTube video, he seemed to hint at an even bigger opportunity.
Pimblett told fans via his channel that they can expect to see some news very soon with contracts hopefully being signed in the not too distant future. He ended the video with a phrase that has become specifically tied to one man.
“I’m coming for that belt, so I’m looking for higher ranked fighters now,” Pimblett said. “I’m sure you will see a fight announcement soon enough. I’ve said yeah, the opponent said yeah, just need to get stuff signed. So, you know the score, everyone. Like, comment, subscribe, and I’ll see you at the top.”
“See you at the top” has been a reoccurring saying of the former title challenger Michael Chandler during his time in the UFC. Chandler himself had mentioned Pimblett as a potential option following his loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 and the #7-ranked contender would be a huge matchup for him. Given the magnitude of this fight, it’s hard to imagine it taking place in England, especially if Leon Edwards was correct when he said that he would be headlining the card.
Michael Chandler has spent a long time waiting for the Octagon return of Conor McGregor but it appears that now, he has drawn a line in the sand. “Iron” Mike has already had to go past the deadline that he set for “The Notorious” once before which led to him returning at UFC 309.
When the UFC offered him the opportunity to rematch Charles Oliveira at Madison Square Garden last month, he knew that it was the right time to put the McGregor fight on hold and step back inside the Octagon. The fight didn’t go his way but that doesn’t seem to have impacted whether he will get the opportunity to face off with the Irishman if he ever does come back.
McGregor recently claimed, after being found guilty of sexual assault in a civil case, that he’s currently working on a boxing match against Logan Paul and will turn his attention towards the UFC after that. With the former champ-champ being impossible to predict or decipher at times, Chandler is smartly making his own calls so that his career won’t be dictated by a potential opponent.
Speaking in a recent interview with Lucky Block, he revealed that he has a new timeframe in mind for the long awaited clash with McGregor. Chandler was happy to have some time off before he came back to face Oliveira but after returning in November, he wants to get back to regular activity with or without his long awaited dance partner.
“If Conor doesn’t come back in the first half of 2025, I will be fighting someone else,” Chandler said. “There are other fights I’m interested in. I didn’t fight for two years but that wasn’t all waiting, I wanted to take some time and give my body a break after my first five fights in the promotion which included a title fight and fight of the nights and the fight of the year.
“My body needed a little bit of a break and I was happy to. Part of me was hanging onto this Conor thing but also kind of a little bit of gamesmanship, enjoying the time off, letting my body heal up a little bit,” Chandler continued. ” It was all supposed to come to fruition with a really great performance, getting my hand raised against Charles, becoming the number one contender, fighting for the title. Obviously that didn’t work out, but we continue to press on no matter what.”
The result was a more emphatic setback for “Iron” than his previous loss to Oliveira, which saw his strong start and near-finish in round one rendered null by a mighty comeback from the Brazilian at UFC 262 in May 2021.
Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Chandler reflected on his losing performance in New York City earlier this month.
The former Bellator champion was honest about his display, admitting it fell way short of what he had anticipated and rating it just two out of 10. But Chandler had a more eyebrow-raising figure when it came to a different topic…
“I’m not happy with my performance. I would give myself a two out of 10,” he said. “I cannot overstate how horrible of a performance this was compared to what my vision was for what I’m capable of. I believe I beat Charles Oliveira 9 times out of 10.”
Be it the math that went into that equation or Chandler’s confidence given his losing 2-4 record since joining the promotion, it’s safe to say the MMA fanbase had a field day reacting to the 38-year-old’s remarks.
Extremely funny to do the "I win 90% of the time" thing when you're 0-2. Like, this makes sense after fight 1 but is insane after fight 2 https://t.co/lg3PJXzBUc
He believes he beats Oliveira 9 times out of 10?? 🤣 What? Dude has lost 4 of his last 5 fights and TWO of those losses were to Oliveira. 😎🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/BH6i6LrsqA
Chandler is up there with Leon for me on most disliked fighters. One of the more delusional ones as well. “Beats Charles 9 times out of 10” but has lost and been dominated in both fights with him 😂 math is hard https://t.co/dFQdKGrl3K
This hilarious cause 1) he hasn’t beaten anybody outside of old Cucuy and 2) mathematically he can only say 8/10 since DuBronx washed him twice already 😂 https://t.co/GBo09d7FeY
