History of Michael Chandler in Timeline
Michael Chandler Jr. is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC's Lightweight division. He is currently ranked #7 in the division (as of October 22, 2024). Before joining the UFC, Chandler fought for Bellator MMA from 2010 to 2020, where he achieved significant success. During his time with Bellator, he became a three-time Lightweight Champion and emerged victorious in the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament.
April 24, 1986: Birth of Michael Chandler Jr.
Michael Chandler Jr. was born on April 24, 1986.
2004: High School Graduation and College Enrollment
In 2004, Chandler graduated from Northwest High School and enrolled at the University of Missouri.
2008: Big 12 Championships Runner-Up
In 2008, Chandler was the runner-up in the Big 12 Championships.
August 2009: Professional MMA Debut
In August 2009, Chandler made his professional MMA debut, winning by TKO in the first round against Kyle Swadley.
November 20, 2009: Strikeforce Debut
On November 20, 2009, Chandler debuted in Strikeforce, defeating Richard Bouphanouvong via second-round TKO.
2009: Big 12 Championships Runner-Up
In 2009, Chandler was again the runner-up in the Big 12 Championships.
May 15, 2010: Victory over Sal Wood
On May 15, 2010, Chandler defeated Sal Wood via submission in under a minute at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery.
September 30, 2010: Bellator Debut
On September 30, 2010, Chandler made his Bellator debut at Bellator 31, defeating Scott Stapp via first-round TKO.
October 14, 2010: Victory over Chris Page
On October 14, 2010, Chandler defeated Chris Page via submission in the first round at Bellator 32.
2010: Bellator MMA Debut
In 2010, Michael Chandler began competing for Bellator MMA.
February 2011: Entry into Bellator Lightweight Tournament
In February 2011, Chandler entered the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament.
March 12, 2011: Victory over Marcin Held
On March 12, 2011, Chandler defeated Marcin Held via technical submission at Bellator 36.
October 15, 2011: Postponed Bout with Eddie Alvarez
Chandler's bout with Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship, originally scheduled for October 15, 2011, at Bellator 54, was postponed due to Alvarez's injury.
November 19, 2011: Bellator Lightweight Championship Victory
On November 19, 2011, Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 58, winning the Bellator Lightweight Championship.
May 4, 2012: Victory over Akihiro Gono
On May 4, 2012, Chandler defeated Akihiro Gono in a non-title superfight at Bellator 67.
January 17, 2013: First Title Defense
On January 17, 2013, Chandler successfully defended his title against Rick Hawn at Bellator 85.
June 19, 2013: Scheduled Bout and Replacement Opponent
Chandler was scheduled to face Dave Jansen on June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96, but Jansen withdrew due to injury. Chandler instead fought and defeated David Rickels at Bellator 97.
November 2, 2013: Loss to Eddie Alvarez
On November 2, 2013, Chandler lost to Eddie Alvarez in a rematch at Bellator 106.
2013: Relationship with Brie Willett Begins
Michael Chandler began dating Brie Willett in 2013 after two years of communication via email.
May 17, 2014: Interim Title Bout and Loss to Will Brooks
On May 17, 2014, Chandler faced Will Brooks for the interim lightweight title at Bellator 120 and lost by split decision.
November 15, 2014: Loss to Will Brooks
On November 15, 2014, Chandler lost to Will Brooks in a rematch for the vacant lightweight title at Bellator 131.
2014: Marriage to Brie Willett
Michael Chandler and Brie Willett married in 2014.
June 19, 2015: Victory over Derek Campos
On June 19, 2015, Chandler defeated Derek Campos at Bellator 138.
November 6, 2015: Victory over David Rickels
On November 6, 2015, Chandler defeated David Rickels in a rematch at Bellator 145.
May 2016: Announcement of Title Rematch
In May 2016, it was announced that Chandler would have a rematch with Patricky "Pitbull" Freire for the vacant Bellator Lightweight Championship.
June 17, 2016: Bellator Lightweight Championship Reclaimed
On June 17, 2016, Chandler reclaimed the Bellator Lightweight Championship by defeating Patricky "Pitbull" Freire at Bellator 157.
November 19, 2016: Title Defense against Benson Henderson
On November 19, 2016, Chandler successfully defended his title against Benson Henderson at Bellator 165.
June 24, 2017: Title Loss to Brent Primus
On June 24, 2017, Chandler lost his title to Brent Primus due to a TKO at Bellator NYC.
2017: Injury and Recovery
Following an injury in 2017, Chandler was out of action for the remainder of the year.
2017: Adoption of First Son
Michael Chandler and Brie Willett adopted their first son, Hap, in 2017.
January 20, 2018: Return to Bellator
On January 20, 2018, Chandler returned to Bellator and defeated Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 192.
April 13, 2018: Victory over Brandon Girtz
On April 13, 2018, Chandler defeated Brandon Girtz at Bellator 197.
June 2018: Contract Expiration and Free Agency
In June 2018, Chandler's contract with Bellator expired, making him a free agent.
August 22, 2018: Re-signing with Bellator MMA
On August 22, 2018, Chandler re-signed with Bellator MMA.
December 14, 2018: Bellator 212 Victory and Title Reclaim
On December 14, 2018, Michael Chandler faced Brent Primus in a rematch at Bellator 212. Chandler showcased his wrestling prowess, dominating the fight and securing a unanimous decision victory. This win marked his reclaiming of the Bellator Lightweight World title.
May 11, 2019: Bellator 221 Title Loss
On May 11, 2019, Michael Chandler defended his Bellator Lightweight World title against Patrício "Pitbull" Freire at Bellator 221. Unfortunately, Chandler lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
October 25, 2019: Bellator & Rizin: Japan Bout Announcement
On October 25, 2019, it was announced that Chandler would be returning to the cage for a rematch against Benson Henderson at Bellator & Rizin: Japan.
December 29, 2019: Bellator & Rizin: Japan - Chandler vs. Outlaw
On December 29, 2019, at Bellator & Rizin: Japan, Michael Chandler fought Sidney Outlaw in a catchweight bout (160 lbs) after Benson Henderson withdrew due to injury. Chandler won by knockout in the first round.
June 6, 2020: Bellator 244 Postponement
A rematch between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson was scheduled for Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 7, 2020: Bellator 243 Victory
On August 7, 2020, the rescheduled rematch between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson finally took place at Bellator 243. Chandler secured a first-round knockout victory.
August 2020: Free Agency
In August 2020, following his victory at Bellator 243, Michael Chandler became a free agent.
September 17, 2020: UFC Signing and Backup Role
On September 17, 2020, Michael Chandler officially signed a contract with the UFC. He was also designated as the backup fighter for the lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
2020: Departure from Bellator MMA
In 2020, Michael Chandler ended his time competing for Bellator MMA.
January 24, 2021: UFC Debut and Performance of the Night
On January 24, 2021, Michael Chandler made his UFC debut against Dan Hooker at UFC 257. He won the fight via first-round TKO and earned the Performance of the Night bonus.
May 15, 2021: UFC 262 Title Fight
On May 15, 2021, Michael Chandler challenged Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 262. Despite a strong start, Chandler lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
November 6, 2021: UFC 268: Chandler vs. Gaethje
On November 6, 2021, Michael Chandler faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, Chandler lost by unanimous decision. The fight earned Fight of the Night honors and was widely considered Fight of the Year by various MMA media outlets.
April 2022: Adoption of Second Son
In April 2022, Michael Chandler and Brie Willett adopted their second son, Ace.
May 7, 2022: UFC 274: Chandler vs. Ferguson
On May 7, 2022, Michael Chandler faced Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Chandler won the fight with a spectacular front kick knockout in the second round, securing Performance of the Night and a Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award.
November 12, 2022: UFC 281: Chandler vs. Poirier
On November 12, 2022, at UFC 281, Michael Chandler fought Dustin Poirier. Chandler lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the third round. The bout earned Fight of the Night honors.
February 2023: The Ultimate Fighter 31 Filming Begins
Filming for The Ultimate Fighter season 31, featuring Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor as coaches, began in February 2023.
August 2023: The Ultimate Fighter 31 Airs
The Ultimate Fighter season 31, coached by Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor, aired from May to August 2023.
October 22, 2024: UFC Lightweight Ranking
As of October 22, 2024, Michael Chandler is ranked #7 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
