Best fights of Michael Chandler
Over 17 years as a professional, Michael Chandler has compiled a 23-11 (18) record, including 13 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Michael Chandler KOs Benson Henderson in their 2nd fight
On August 7, 2020 Michael Chandler faced Benson Henderson in a lightweight bout. It was their second meeting. Chandler was 34 years old with a record of 20-5, and Henderson was 36 with a record of 28-8. Chandler was coming off a win and Henderson was on a 4-fight winning streak. Chandler stopped Benson Henderson via KO in the 1st round.
2. Michael Chandler defeats Benson Henderson
On November 19, 2016 Michael Chandler defended his Bellator lightweight title against Benson Henderson. Chandler was 30 years old with a record of 15-3, and Henderson was 33 with a record of 24-6. Chandler was on a 3-fight winning streak and Henderson was coming off a win. Chandler won via split decision. Defended the title.
3. Michael Chandler submits Eddie Alvarez
On November 19, 2011 Michael Chandler fought Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator lightweight title. Chandler was 25 years old with a record of 8-0, and Alvarez was 27 with a record of 22-2. Chandler was on an undefeated 8-fight winning streak and Alvarez was on a 7-fight winning streak. Chandler submitted Eddie Alvarez via rear-naked choke in the 4th round. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
4. Michael Chandler submits Rick Hawn
On January 17, 2013 Michael Chandler defended his Bellator lightweight title against Rick Hawn. Chandler was 26 years old with a record of 10-0, and Hawn was 36 with a record of 14-1. Chandler was on an undefeated 10-fight winning streak and Hawn was on a 3-fight winning streak. Chandler submitted Rick Hawn via rear-naked choke in the 2nd round. Defended the title.
5. Michael Chandler KOs Dan Hooker
On January 24, 2021 Michael Chandler faced Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout. Chandler was 34 years old with a record of 21-5, and Hooker was 30 with a record of 20-9. Chandler was on a 2-fight winning streak, while Hooker was coming off a loss. Chandler stopped Dan Hooker via TKO in the 1st round.
6. Michael Chandler KOs David Rickels in 44 seconds
On July 31, 2013 Michael Chandler defended his Bellator lightweight title against David Rickels. Chandler was 27 years old with a record of 11-0, and Rickels was 24 with a record of 14-1. Chandler was on an undefeated 11-fight winning streak and Rickels was on a 4-fight winning streak. Chandler stopped David Rickels via KO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
7. Michael Chandler KOs Akihiro Gono in 56 seconds
On May 4, 2012 Michael Chandler faced Akihiro Gono in a welterweight bout. Chandler was 26 years old with a record of 9-0, and Gono was 37 with a record of 32-17-7. Chandler was on an undefeated 9-fight winning streak, while Gono was on a 2-fight losing streak. Chandler stopped Akihiro Gono via TKO in the 1st round.
8. Michael Chandler KOs Patricky Pitbull in their 2nd fight
On June 24, 2016 Michael Chandler fought Patricky Pitbull for the vacant Bellator lightweight title. It was their second meeting. Chandler was 30 years old with a record of 14-3, and Pitbull was 30 with a record of 16-7. Both Chandler and Pitbull were on a 2-fight winning streak. Chandler stopped Patricky Pitbull via KO in the 1st round. Won the vacant title.
9. Michael Chandler KOs Tony Ferguson
On May 7, 2022 Michael Chandler faced Tony Ferguson in a lightweight bout. Chandler was 36 years old with a record of 22-7, and Ferguson was 38 with a record of 25-6. Chandler was on a 2-fight losing streak and Ferguson was on a 3-fight losing streak. Chandler stopped Tony Ferguson via KO in the 2nd round.
10. Michael Chandler loses to Dustin Poirier via KO
On November 12, 2022 Michael Chandler faced Dustin Poirier in a lightweight bout. Chandler was 36 years old with a record of 23-7, and Poirier was 33 with a record of 28-7. Chandler was coming off a win, while Poirier was coming off a loss. Poirier submitted Chandler via rear-naked choke in the 3rd round.