Michael Chandler may have made the perfect choice by refusing to wait for Conor McGregor and accept the fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. He’s been away from the game for far too long, and he doesn’t intend to wait on the sidelines any more than he wants. He has said yes to everything thrown his way, but this time, it just wasn’t feasible for the former Bellator champion.

Michael Chandler is as exciting as UFC fighters go, seemingly made for showdowns on the big stage. However, he has admitted that being a champion in the UFC is an achievement that can not be topped, and as he sharpens up for the Charles Oliveira clash, in an attempt to get closer to title contention, we take a look at the lesser-known facts about Chandler, especially his origin and ethnicity. 

Where is Michael Chandler from? Ethnicity and nationality

Micheal Chandler was born and raised 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 admits 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?

What is Michael Chandler’s religion?

Michael Chandler has often talked about his father, identifying 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 Charles Oliveira.

The UFC fighter has also participated in many church gatherings, sharing a few words of wisdom through his experiences. But coming to the fight business, what have you made of Michael Chandler’s UFC career? Will he overcome Charles Oliveira on November 16th? Let us know in the comments below!