Michael Chandler is as exciting as UFC fighters go, and seemingly made for showdowns on the big stage. He has admitted that being a champion in the UFC is an achievement that can not be topped. His skills and past achievements have often raised some eyebrows. And as he gets ready to take a few steps closer to his dream of becoming a champion in the UFC, fight fans have wondered about ‘Iron’s origins. 

Where does Chandler hail from? Is he an American mixed martial artist? Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the lightweight contender’s life and learn everything there is to Chandler’s roots. 

Michael Chandler’s ethnicity & hometown

Michael Chandler was born on 24 April 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri, to Michael Sr. and Betty Chandler. He was one of four children that the couple had. If we look at his ethnicity, the UFC lightweight star is of Irish and German heritage. Chandler’s athletic prowess was apparent very early on. While in school, ‘Iron’ took part in both football and wrestling. He finished runner-up at the MSHSAA state championships in his senior year of high school. 

Chandler enrolled at the University of Missouri and worked his way into his achievements. While at university, he was teammates with the likes of Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren on the wrestling team. At the collegiate level, he was a four-time NCAA Division One qualifier.

During his four years in college, he racked up an impressive record of 100-30 while also registering a 31-15 record against Big 12 opposition. From the academic front, ‘Iron’ graduated with a degree in personal finance management services. 

Chandler admitted that he transitioned into MMA wanting to follow the footsteps of his ‘big brothers’, Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren, who were already successful MMA athletes at the time. After two fights in Strikeforce, Chandler signed with Bellator and was one of the best homegrown talents for the promotion for over a decade. During his stint with the Scott Coker-led promotion, Chandler, who won and defended his lightweight belt multiple times, was the poster boy for the company. 

But did you know that besides being a highlight-reel-creating fighter, ‘Iron’s also a pretty religious individual? Let’s take a look at the former Bellator champion’s religious inclinations, shall we?

Is Michael Chandler a Christian?

Michael Chandler has often talked about his father, and identifies as a devout Christian. He’s always followed the way of the Bible, doing all that is required of a Christian man. “We grew up Catholic. We went to Catholic Mass on Sundays, and we did our First Holy Communion, and we did our Confirmation and all that kind of stuff,” Chandler stated on ‘The Jesus Calling Podcast’.

Furthermore, the once Bellator champion holds a conviction that every single individual has a higher purpose in life, and in his case, he fights to become the best there is. “We were put on this earth to accomplish great things, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Michael Chandler added.

Although his recent record hasn’t been up to the mark, he’s still hoping to cross the finish line and win the undisputed lightweight goal, and that road starts with a win over Paddy Pimblett. The UFC fighter has also participated in many church gatherings, sharing a few words of wisdom through his experiences. Now, let’s learn a bit more about Chandler’s life. 

More about Michael Chandler’s early life

Chandler became a graduate in 2009, and just 3 months after obtaining his degree, ‘Iron’ debuted as a mixed martial artist at the Missouri Regional. The bout got him the taste of victory, and that was the moment he decided that he had to become a professional fighter. After winning 2 back-to-back fights under the banner of Strikeforce, Chandler got himself signed up in Bellator FC in 2010. And thus, his reign in the world of mixed martial arts began. Being the 3-time Bellator champion further cemented his legacy. He even entered the Fight og the Year nominations in 2011, 2013, 2016, 2021, and 2022. 

Finally, in 2021, Chandler stepped into the Octagon and got the UFC Debut of the Year award. He also got the UFC Fight of the Year award the same year. However, waiting for Conor McGregor at UFC 303 seemingly put ‘Iron’ into a pool of rust. Currently on a 2-fight losing streak, the #7 lightweight prospect is all set to redeem himself against Paddy Pimblett at  UFC 314. 

But coming to the fight business, what have you made of Michael Chandler’s UFC career? Let us know in the comments below