“Do the hard things now so you can reap the rewards later.” This wasn’t just a sudden epiphany for Michael Chandler. It was a truth he felt, especially during the grueling training sessions leading up to his fight against Paddy Pimblett before UFC 314. But why is that important? Because Chandler has made a career out of finding purpose in pain. Whether it’s a win or a loss, he always walks away with a lesson. And no, that wasn’t the first time he found a metaphor for life inside the Octagon. A powerful moment of reflection came at UFC 309, with the UFC brass and even Donald Trump watching cageside.

Remember the iconic back slam duo Chandler delivered on Charles Oliveira in the final round that night? Even though Chandler didn’t get the win, the moment became symbolic. The former Bellator champ brought relentless pressure in the dying moments but Oliveira overcame the attrition and ultimately earned the unanimous decision, but Chandler’s late surge was so impressive, it could have a fanbase of its own. Joe Rogan nearly leaped from his seat, while Daniel Cormier burst out laughing in amazement. Chandler described a defining moment inside the Octagon—right in the heat of action as he attempted a back slam.

The crowd was roaring, and the atmosphere was electric. Eminent figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell were in attendance, witnessing Chandler’s every move. The UFC brass was anticipating something massive. And what did Chandler do? He did exactly what he was told not to. He recently opened up to The Schmo and shared the deeper meaning behind the moment:

“The funny thing was, is like in my mind, I smiled a little bit. I thought I was like ‘You know what? He’s got my back, you know I am down on the scorecards. They said I shouldn’t do this, so I am gonna go ahead. And I remember Joe Rogan said in the first fight, you know, like ‘Oh, back, but that’s terrible’. So I did it right in the first one. The first one I got up and did it slammed him, and then like rolled back to my feet and Hunter Campbell and Donald Trump were sitting there and I’m like looking at both of them in the eye.”

“And I kind of smiled a little bit at Hunter and he like had his hand here [on his chin] and he kind of like did this [smiled and moved his head side to side] he’s like ‘You’re gonna do it again aren’t you?’ and I freaking came to my feet did it the second time.”

Chandler continued about that night at MSG and stated, “You know not to get all philosophical or whatever, but you know, I get it. I lost the fight. I got bested. Charles Oliveira beat me, but at that moment, it was a metaphor for life. Hey, no matter how down you are on the scorecard, no matter how bad or how heavy this weight is on your back, stand back on your feet. Get back up to your feet, head up, chest up, shoulders back, then get back to your feet, and that’s what we did. And the fans were enjoying it. The president was enjoying it, the UFC brass was enjoying it, I enjoyed it, Charles enjoyed it, you know we shared a little bit of a moment.”

For Chandler, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about making a statement. Let’s face it—Chandler is one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history. Known for his aggressive, high-pressure style, Chandler never fails to bring chaos and excitement to the cage. Dana White himself backed that sentiment during the UFC 281 post-fight presser.

“He’s like an Arturo Gatti,” White told MMA Junkie. “You know what I mean? He’s a fun guy. He’s always in fun fights. He comes to fight, man. He leaves it all in there. That’s why people love him. He’s fun to watch.” And what about Chandler’s latest showdown—his much-anticipated fight against Paddy Pimblett? There’s already buzz, and support is rolling in. Even Alexander Volkanovski who is set to headline UFC 314 is rooting for ‘Iron’

Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett

While speaking on the FREESTYLEBENDER podcast, Alexander Volkanovski—who’s set to headline against Diego Lopes—shared his thoughts on the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler. Volkanovski weighed in, saying: “I can’t see him out-grappling Chandler early on. Maybe he gets into positions and looks for submissions and stuff like that, so it’s going to be an interesting one.”

Paddy Pimblett has shown he’s a real threat on the ground. His performance against Bobby Green at UFC 304 turned heads—after countering a takedown attempt, Pimblett locked in a tight guillotine before transitioning smoothly into a triangle choke that sent Green to sleep. But let’s be real—facing Chandler is a different beast and brings that trademark explosiveness from the opening bell. So, who do you think takes it—Pimblett’s slick grappling or Chandler’s early storm? Drop your predictions in the comments below!