Michael Chandler’s rags-to-riches climb from unknown collegiate grappler to one of the most explosive combatants on the UFC roster is inspirational by itself. The former Bellator title holder, now a top contender on the UFC roster, never forgot where he originated from, climbing through collegiate athletics on a walk-on spot on the University of Missouri roster. Chandler became a force to be counted on, forging himself on a never-quit, never-stop-and-look-around ethos within the Octagon that served him well throughout his career.

Recently on Bo Nickal’s podcast, Chandler also commented on his experience at Mizzou, discussing how overcoming adversity that had been created by him playing like an underdog defined his championship mentality. “I came into Mizzou with a class of about 16 guys,” Chandler stated. “There were maybe seven of them that were state champions and blue-ribbon players. And there were two of us that were walk-ons.”

Unlike many of Missouri’s top collegiate wrestlers, Chandler wasn’t arriving on campus loaded up on accolades. He was just another hopeful player trying to make his contribution. Surrounded by state champions and top-level recruiting targets, there was no choice but to outwork everybody.

While some might have regarded this as a weakness, Chandler embraced it as motivation. Every practice session was an opportunity to fill that gap, and every match was a battle to earn respect. His time wrestling in Missouri wasn’t only to improve his skill set—it was to cultivate that mental toughness that defined his MMA career after that. When he went pro, that same walk-on mind-set tagged along, never allowing himself to be starstruck by big names.

“Patience is wildly undervalued,” Chandler noted. “Sometimes, you’re the right guy, but it’s not the right time yet. I was a late bloomer, and I needed years of grinding to become the man I am today.” That mentality formed the groundwork of a career that had him climb through the levels of Bellator before bursting into the UFC on the strength of highlight reel knockouts and a no-holds barred fight mode.

From wrestling rivals to a prospective UFC bout

While Michael Chandler’s determination has gone on to make him a role model to many, it has also unearthed an old grudge. Veteran lightweight Michael Johnson, himself having fought many of the sport’s biggest names, has set his sights on Chandler—not out of bitterness, but out of redemption.

Johnson and Chandler first encountered each other on the high school wrestling mats, where Chandler narrowly outpointed him 4-3. Years later, Johnson’s turn is to finally pay that old debt within the Octagon.

“We go way back, since like high school,” Johnson said. “He beat me in wrestling, so I need to get that one back.”

Johnson, who knocked out Dustin Poirier in 2016, is seeking out this fight out of neither spite nor hatred but out of challenge against a former foe. His contention is that their battle will be one of adrenaline-driven combat, one that will excite fans and give fans yet another episode of their legendary history.

With Michael Chandler considering what is next within the UFC, that old schoolboy fight rematch is a desirable option. While each of their career paths has gone on to follow very different tracks since that early youth on the mat, each of the fighters has developed well-established MMA careers—making that prospective showdown that much sweeter. As Chandler continues to train through to his next fight, there is one certainty: where that is – within a wrestling room or Octagon – his never-stop-never-quit attitude remains what makes him distinct. And if Johnson gets his wish granted, fans will likely witness a fight that has been coming together for years.