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 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Michael Chandler defeats Brent Primus in their 2nd fight
On December 14, 2018 Michael Chandler fought Brent Primus for the Bellator lightweight title. It was their second meeting. Chandler was 32 years old with a record of 18-4, and Primus was 33 with a record of 8-0. Chandler was on a 2-fight winning streak and Primus was on an undefeated 8-fight winning streak. Chandler won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
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 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.
8. Michael Chandler defeats Goiti Yamauchi
On January 20, 2018 Michael Chandler faced Goiti Yamauchi in a lightweight bout. Chandler was 31 years old with a record of 16-4, and Yamauchi was 25 with a record of 22-3. Chandler was coming off a loss, while Yamauchi was on a 3-fight winning streak. Chandler won via unanimous decision.
9. Michael Chandler defeats Patricky Pitbull
On May 14, 2011 Michael Chandler fought Patricky Pitbull for the vacant Bellator Season 4 Tournament lightweight title. Chandler was 25 years old with a record of 7-0, and Pitbull was 25 with a record of 9-1. Chandler was on an undefeated 7-fight winning streak and Pitbull was on a 5-fight winning streak. Chandler won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
10. Michael Chandler loses to Charles Oliveira in their 2nd fight via unanimous decision
On November 16, 2024 Michael Chandler faced Charles Oliveira in a lightweight bout. It was their second meeting. Chandler was 38 years old with a record of 23-8, and Oliveira was 35 with a record of 34-10. Both Chandler and Oliveira were coming off a loss. Chandler lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Oliveira.