Michael Chandler
Michael “Iron” Chandler is a UFC lightweight and three-time Bellator champion who shares training, family life and lessons from competition through videos, Walk On Wisdom and WalkOn Fitness.
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Latest
Michael’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
UFC
UFCOverview
- From
- High Ridge, Missouri, United States
- Known as
- “Iron” Michael Chandler
- Sport
- Mixed martial arts, lightweight
- College
- University of Missouri
- Breakout
- Submitting Eddie Alvarez to win the Bellator lightweight title in 2011
Mini bio
How it started.
Michael grew up in High Ridge, Missouri, and joined the University of Missouri wrestling team as a walk-on. He became an NCAA Division I All-American. In his UFC Q&A, he credits friends and fellow wrestlers Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren with inspiring him to try MMA after college in 2009.
The breakthrough.
In November 2011, he submitted Eddie Alvarez in round four at Bellator 58 to take the lightweight championship. He went on to become a three-time Bellator lightweight champion before moving to the UFC.
A new stage.
His UFC debut brought a first-round finish of Dan Hooker in January 2021. Later that year he challenged Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title and fought Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. His front-kick knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 in 2022 became another defining moment. In 2023 he coached opposite Conor McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
Beyond fight night.
Fans can follow his approach to training through WalkOn Fitness and hear him answer listener questions on Walk On Wisdom, listed as The Michael Chandler Show on Apple Podcasts. His fitness site pairs physical workouts with encouragement to build confidence and resilience.
Creditschronological, newest first
Television
- 2026WWE NXT, November 4Special guest referee
- 2023The Ultimate Fighter 31Coach opposite Conor McGregor
Podcasts and training
- 2023–2025Walk On Wisdom / The Michael Chandler ShowHost
- OngoingTrain with Michael ChandlerWalkOn Fitness six-week training program
Awards
- Three-time Bellator lightweight championWon his first title against Eddie Alvarez in 2011 and held the championship on three occasions.
- UFC Honors 2021: Dana White’s Fight of the YearHis UFC 268 bout with Justin Gaethje received Dana White’s selection.
- Sherdog’s 2021 Fight of the YearSherdog selected Gaethje vs. Chandler at UFC 268.
Quotes
I’ll see you at the Top!Michael Chandler, WalkOn Fitness
His fitness site closes its personal welcome with the sign-off fans also see in his social posts.
Trivia
- Before fighting professionally, he worked as a wrestling coach at Mizzou.
- He lists his mother and father as his heroes in his UFC Q&A.
- His favorite grappling techniques include the head-and-arm choke, suplex and double-leg takedown.
Find Michael
Follow Michael for training, fight updates and Walk On Wisdom.
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