Michael Chandler

Overview

Two UFC wins, both by knockout, in the first 2:30 and 0:17 of their rounds. Michael Chandler's UFC record is 2-6, and the wins are the headline, not the losses.

"Iron" is a Lightweight out of High Ridge, Missouri, fighting for Kill Cliff FC. His 23-11 professional record covers every promotion, so the UFC number to watch is the 2-6. Six of his eight UFC opponents were rated elite or strong by our model, which explains much of that ledger, though not all of it. He enters his next fight on a four-fight losing streak.

His UFC career is short on wins and long on big names.

UFC Career

He debuted at UFC 257 with a first-round TKO of Dan Hooker at 2:30. Four months later he headlined UFC 262 against Charles Oliveira and was stopped 19 seconds into the second round.

Justin Gaethje took a unanimous decision at UFC 268. Then came the high point: a 17-second second-round TKO of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, over an opponent our model rates as elite.

Dustin Poirier submitted him in the third round at UFC 281. A five-round rematch with Oliveira at UFC 309 went the distance, a unanimous decision loss. Paddy Pimblett stopped him in the third round at UFC 314, and Mauricio Ruffy did the same in round one, at 4:29, at UFC Freedom 250.

His longest UFC win streak is one fight.

Fighting Style

The career numbers point two ways. He lands more strikes per minute than the UFC average and shoots for more takedowns, and his takedown defense is better than average too. But he absorbs more strikes per minute and defends worse against them. Striking accuracy and submission attempts sit near the average.

That fits the finishing pattern. He is a pressure fighter who trades, not one who avoids damage. Both UFC wins ended by KO/TKO, one in round one and one in round two. The losses are mixed: three by KO/TKO, one by submission and two by decision.

Notable Wins

• Tony Ferguson — KO/TKO, round 2 (0:17), UFC 274 (2022)
• Dan Hooker — KO/TKO, round 1 (2:30), UFC 257 (2021)

Quick Facts

• Division: Lightweight
• UFC record: 2-6 (2 KO/TKO wins)
• Professional record (all promotions): 23-11-0
• UFC debut: January 22, 2021
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height/reach: 5'8" / 71.5"
• Team: Kill Cliff FC
• Born: High Ridge, MO, United States