Michael Chandler is a famous MMA fighter known for his UFC career. His real name is Michael Chandler Jr. In 2026, he is 40 years old. He was born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri.
He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 156 pounds. He is a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. He challenged for the UFC Lightweight title in 2021. His estimated net worth is $3–$6 million in 2026.
He started MMA in 2009 after a wrestling career. He trains at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. He is known as “Iron.” He is married to Brie Willett. He is a father of 3 children.
Michael Chandler Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Michael Chandler Jr. |
| Stage Name | Michael Chandler |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1986 |
| Age in 2026 | 40 |
| Birthplace | High Ridge, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | MMA Fighter |
| Category | MMA Fighter |
| Education | University of Missouri |
| Partner / Spouse | Brie Willett (m. 2014) |
| Children | 3 (Hap, Ace, Dru) |
| Career Start | 2009 |
| Company / Label / Team | Kill Cliff FC |
| Major Works | Bellator Lightweight Champion |
| Achievements | 3-time Bellator Champion, NCAA All-American |
| Net Worth | $3–$6 million |
| Primary Income Source | UFC, Endorsements |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram, X |
Michael Chandler Real Name
Michael Chandler was born as Michael Chandler Jr. He uses Michael Chandler as his fighting name. His full name reflects his American heritage. This is confirmed by Wikipedia and UFC records.
Chandler is known by the nickname “Iron.” This nickname reflects his durable fighting style. His primary name is Michael Chandler. He uses this name in UFC promotions.
Chandler was born in High Ridge, Missouri. His real name reflects his American roots. He is proud of his heritage. His name is respected in MMA.
Chandler‘s full name is often shortened by fans. His official UFC profile uses Michael Chandler. His real name is used in legal documents. His name is synonymous with exciting fights.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Chandler Jr. |
| Nickname | “Iron” |
| Fighting Name | Michael Chandler |
| Birthplace | High Ridge, Missouri |
Michael Chandler Early Life and Education
Michael Chandler grew up in High Ridge, Missouri. He was born on April 24, 1986. He is the second of 4 children. He is of German and Irish heritage. His early life shaped his discipline.
Chandler attended Northwest High School. He was on the honor roll every term. He received 3 letters in football. He was the runner-up at the MSHSAA State Championships in wrestling. His early life prepared him for MMA.
Chandler attended the University of Missouri. He walked onto the wrestling team. He was a 4-time NCAA Division I qualifier. He collected 100 career wins. He earned All-American honors as a senior. His education and training were key to his success.
Chandler values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His parents supported his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| High School | Northwest High School |
| College | University of Missouri |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division I All-American |
| Degree | Personal Finance Management |
Michael Chandler Parents and Siblings
Michael Chandler was born to Michael Chandler Sr. and Betty Chandler. His parents raised him in High Ridge, Missouri. His father‘s name is Michael Chandler Sr. His mother‘s name is Betty Chandler. His family is small and close.
Chandler is the second of 4 children. He has 3 siblings. Their names are not publicly confirmed. His siblings are important to him. His family is central to his life.
Chandler values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His siblings support his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
Chandler focuses on his career and his family. He does not share many details about his personal life. His family is important to him. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Michael Chandler Sr. | Father |
| Betty Chandler | Mother |
| 3 Siblings | Not publicly named |
Michael Chandler Before Fame
Michael Chandler had a successful wrestling career before fame. He was a 4-time NCAA Division I qualifier. He earned All-American honors as a senior. He began his MMA career in 2009. He compiled a 7-0 record in his early career. His before fame story is inspiring.
Chandler made his professional MMA debut in August 2009. He fought at Strikeforce. He won his debut via submission. He signed with Bellator in 2010. He became a star in the promotion. His before fame story is inspiring.
Chandler worked hard for his success. He overcame setbacks in his early career. He built a successful MMA career. His journey is motivational. He is a true fighter.
Chandler won the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament in 2011. He defeated Patricky Freire in the final. He earned a title shot against Eddie Alvarez. His before fame story is inspiring.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| MMA Debut | August 2009 |
| Strikeforce | 2009–2010 |
| Bellator Debut | 2010 |
| Tournament Winner | 2011 |
Michael Chandler Career
Michael Chandler began his Bellator career in 2010. He won the Bellator Lightweight Championship in 2011. He defeated Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 58. He became a star in the promotion. He defended his title 2 times.
Chandler lost his title to Eddie Alvarez in 2013. He regained the title in 2016. He defeated Patricky Freire via KO. He became a two-time champion. He lost the title to Brent Primus in 2017. He regained the title in 2018. He became a three-time champion.
Chandler signed with the UFC in 2020. He debuted at UFC 257 in January 2021. He defeated Dan Hooker via TKO in round 1. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus. He challenged for the UFC Lightweight title at UFC 262 in May 2021. He lost to Charles Oliveira via TKO.
Chandler fought top contenders like Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. He defeated Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 in May 2022. He lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in April 2025. He lost to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026. He holds a record of 23-11-0. He remains a fan favorite.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Won Bellator Lightweight Championship |
| 2016 | Won Bellator Title (2nd time) |
| 2018 | Won Bellator Title (3rd time) |
| 2021 | UFC Debut |
| 2022 | Defeated Tony Ferguson |
| 2026 | Lost to Mauricio Ruffy |
Michael Chandler Family
Michael Chandler is a private person. He is married to Brie Willett. They have 3 children together. His family lives in Nashville, Tennessee. His family is small and close.
Chandler‘s wife, Brie Willett, is his long-time partner. They dated for 11 months before marrying. They married on September 6, 2014. She supports his career privately. Their marriage is strong.
Chandler and Brie have 3 children together. They adopted their son Hap in 2017. They adopted their son Ace in 2022. They welcomed their daughter Dru in 2025. He frequently expresses his love for his family on social media. His children are his pride and joy.
Chandler values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His wife supports his career. His children are his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Brie Willett | Wife |
| Hap Chandler | Son (adopted 2017) |
| Ace Chandler | Son (adopted 2022) |
| Dru Chandler | Daughter (born 2025) |
Michael Chandler Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Michael Chandler is married to Brie Willett. They met in 2013. They dated for 11 months. They married on September 6, 2014. They have 3 children together. Their relationship is private.
Chandler‘s wife, Brie Willett, is his long-time partner. She had a desire to adopt children. She served on mission trips. She supports his career privately. Their marriage is strong.
Chandler and Brie have 3 children together. They adopted their son Hap in 2017. They adopted their son Ace in 2022. They welcomed their daughter Dru in 2025. He frequently expresses his love for his family on social media. His children are his pride and joy.
Chandler values his wife‘s privacy. He does not share many details about their marriage. They live in Nashville, Tennessee. Their relationship is stable. His family is his priority.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Brie Willett |
| Marriage Year | 2014 |
| Children | 3 (Hap, Ace, Dru) |
| Residence | Nashville, Tennessee |
Michael Chandler Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Michael Chandler is 40 years old in 2026. He was born on April 24, 1986. He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall. He weighs approximately 156 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Chandler has dark eyes and dark hair. His reach is 71.5 inches. He has an orthodox stance. He has a clean-shaven face. He has a fair skin tone.
Chandler‘s physique is impressive. He maintains his fitness with intense training. He follows a strict diet and workout plan. His fitness is a key part of his success. He is a physical specimen.
Chandler trains at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. He follows a disciplined regimen. His fitness is a key part of his brand. He is a physical specimen. He inspires others with his dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 156 pounds (71 kg) |
| Reach | 71.5 inches (182 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Michael Chandler Social Media Presence
Michael Chandler is active on Instagram and X. His Instagram handle is @mikechandlermma. He shares training videos and fight promos. He posts photos with his family. His Instagram is his primary platform.
Chandler uses social media to connect with fans. He posts motivational content. He shares updates about his fights. He also shares unique content about his training. His social media is authentic.
Chandler‘s social media following is significant. He has over 1 million Instagram followers. He uses his platform to promote his fights. He also shares insights into his training. His social media is impactful.
Chandler does not engage in online drama. He keeps his posts positive and motivational. He uses social media to promote his projects. His presence is professional. He values his online community.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @mikechandlermma | |
| X | @MikeChandlerMMA |
Michael Chandler Awards and Achievements
Michael Chandler has many MMA achievements. He is a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. He won the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. He earned 5 performance bonuses in the UFC. He challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2021.
Chandler holds a professional record of 23-11-0. He has 11 wins by knockout. He has 7 wins by submission. He has 5 wins by decision. His finish rate is 78%. His achievements are impressive.
Chandler was a 4-time NCAA Division I qualifier. He earned All-American honors as a senior. He was a 2-time Big 12 runner-up. He holds a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. His achievements are historic.
Chandler continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a losing streak. He returned to compete. He plans to continue his career. His achievements are impressive. He is a true warrior.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Bellator Lightweight Championship | 2011–2013, 2016–2017, 2018–2019 | 3-time Champion |
| Bellator Tournament | 2011 | Season Four Winner |
| UFC Performance Bonuses | Multiple | 5-time Winner |
| NCAA Division I | 2009 | All-American |
Michael Chandler Net Worth
Michael Chandler has an estimated net worth of $3–$6 million in 2026. His wealth comes from UFC earnings, Bellator earnings, and endorsements. His career earnings are estimated at over $5 million. His net worth is well-documented.
Chandler earns from UFC fights. His salary ranges from $250,000 to $1 million per fight. He earned $1,056,000 for his fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. He also earns from performance bonuses. His most lucrative fight was against Charles Oliveira. His income is significant.
Chandler supplements his income with sponsorships. He has partnerships with Monster Energy, Sanford Health, Everlast, and Dymatize Nutrition. He also earns from appearances. His primary income is from fighting. He continues to compete for money.
Chandler lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He owns property in the area. His assets include investments and real estate. His net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. He is financially secure. His wealth reflects his success. His family benefits from his success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC | Fight purses and bonuses |
| Endorsements | Monster Energy, Everlast |
| Appearances | Interviews and events |
| Real Estate | Nashville, Tennessee |
Michael Chandler Nationality and Religion
Michael Chandler is an American national. He was born in High Ridge, Missouri. He represents the USA in MMA. He is proud of his American heritage. His nationality is American.
Chandler‘s religion is not widely publicized. He does not discuss his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are private. He focuses on his family and career. His religion is personal to him.
Chandler has German and Irish roots. He is proud of his heritage. He honors his family‘s legacy. His heritage is important to him. His heritage is diverse.
Chandler speaks English. He has a connection to his German and Irish roots. His nationality is American. His religion is private. His heritage is diverse.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Heritage | German, Irish |
| Languages | English |
Michael Chandler Public Image
Michael Chandler has a positive public image. He is known as a resilient and exciting fighter. He is respected for his comeback story. He is popular among UFC fans. His public image is authentic.
Chandler is often praised for his aggressive style. He is known for his explosive finishes. He is considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. He has a high finish rate. His public image is that of a warrior.
Chandler is open about his career struggles. He speaks publicly about his losses. He uses his platform to inspire others. He is seen as a genuine person. His public image is positive and inspiring.
Chandler handles setbacks with grace. He rejected reports that he was done after his losses. He returned to compete. He is committed to his career. His public image is strong. He is a true professional.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2009–2020 | Bellator Champion |
| 2021–2024 | UFC Contender |
| 2024–2026 | Resilient Veteran |
Michael Chandler Legacy and Impact
Michael Chandler has a lasting legacy in MMA. He is considered one of the greatest Bellator fighters of all time. He was a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. He challenged for the UFC title. His legacy is secure.
Chandler‘s impact goes beyond his record. He inspired American fighters to pursue MMA. He showed that wrestling can dominate MMA. He proved that hard work and dedication pay off. His impact is generational.
Chandler holds the record for one of the best UFC debuts. He defeated Dan Hooker in 2021. He earned 5 performance bonuses in the UFC. His legacy is defined by his resilience. He is a true champion.
Chandler continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a losing streak. He returned to compete. He plans to continue his career. His legacy is still being written. He is a true warrior.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Bellator MMA | Pioneer |
| Records | 3-time Bellator Champion |
| Inspiration | American fighters |
| Resilience | Comeback story |
Michael Chandler Future Plans and Goals
Michael Chandler plans to continue his UFC career. He wants to get back in the win column. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. His future is planned.
Chandler returned to training after his 2026 loss. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to climb the rankings. He wants to fight top contenders. He is focused on his career.
Chandler wants to fight for many more years. He is 40 years old and still competitive. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to inspire others. His goals are clear.
Chandler wants to inspire others with his journey. He wants to show that hard work pays off. He plans to continue his charity work. He wants to enjoy his life with Brie and his children. His future is exciting. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Career | Continue fighting |
| Goal | Get back in win column |
| Legacy | Inspire others |
| Family | Enjoy life with Brie and children |
Michael Chandler Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Bellator Lightweight Championship | 3 | 2011–2013, 2016–2017, 2018–2019 |
| Bellator Season Four Tournament | 1 | 2011 |
| UFC Performance Bonuses | 5 | 2021–2026 |
| NCAA Division I All-American | 1 | 2009 |
Michael Chandler Matches List
- Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker – 2021 (UFC Debut)
- Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira – 2021 (UFC Title Fight)
- Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje – 2021
- Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson – 2022
- Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier – 2022
- Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor – 2023 (TUF 31)
- Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira – 2024
- Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett – 2025
- Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy – 2026
Michael Chandler Hobbies
- Training in MMA
- Playing video games
- Watching movies
- Spending time with family
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching documentaries
- Playing basketball
- Reading
Michael Chandler Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Fighter: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Music: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sport: MMA
- Favorite Place: High Ridge, Missouri
- Favorite Quote: “See you at the top!”
- Favorite Team: Not publicly confirmed
Michael Chandler Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He was on the honor roll every term in high school. |
| 2 | He received 3 letters in football. |
| 3 | He was the runner-up at the MSHSAA State Championships. |
| 4 | He walked onto the wrestling team at Missouri. |
| 5 | He collected 100 career wins at Missouri. |
| 6 | He earned All-American honors as a senior. |
| 7 | He won the Bellator Lightweight title 3 times. |
| 8 | He earned $303,500 for his UFC debut. |
| 9 | He earned $1,056,000 for his fight against Charles Oliveira. |
| 10 | He adopted his son Hap in 2017. |
| 11 | He adopted his son Ace in 2022. |
| 12 | He welcomed his daughter Dru in 2025. |
| 13 | He has a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. |
| 14 | He was a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31. |
| 15 | He has 5 performance bonuses in the UFC. |
| 16 | He owns a gym in Nashville called Training Camp. |
| 17 | He speaks English. |
| 18 | He plans to get back in the win column. |
Michael Chandler FAQs
Q1: What is Michael Chandler’s net worth in 2026?
Michael Chandler‘s net worth is estimated at $3–$6 million in 2026. His income comes from UFC, Bellator, and endorsements. He earned over $5 million in his MMA career.
Q2: How old is Michael Chandler in 2026?
Michael Chandler is 40 years old in 2026. He was born on April 24, 1986. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Michael Chandler’s height and weight?
Michael Chandler is 5 feet 8 inches tall. He weighs about 156 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Q4: Is Michael Chandler married?
Yes, Michael Chandler is married to Brie Willett. They married in 2014. They have 3 children named Hap, Ace, and Dru.
Q5: Did Michael Chandler ever win a UFC title?
No, Michael Chandler has not won a UFC title. He challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2021. He lost to Charles Oliveira.
Q6: What is Michael Chandler’s real name?
His real name is Michael Chandler Jr. He uses Michael Chandler as his fighting name. He is known as “Iron.”
Q7: Is Michael Chandler still fighting?
Yes, Michael Chandler is still fighting in 2026. He lost to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026. He plans to continue his career.
Conclusion
Michael Chandler is an American MMA fighter. His real name is Michael Chandler Jr. In 2026, he is 40 years old. He was born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri. He stands 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 156 pounds.
He started his MMA career in 2009. He won the Bellator Lightweight Championship 3 times. He trains at Kill Cliff FC. His net worth is $3–$6 million in 2026. He is married to Brie Willett.
He holds a record of 23-11-0. He plans to get back in the win column. He continues to inspire fans with his resilience. His legacy is secure as a global icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Michael Chandler‘s journey from High Ridge, Missouri to UFC and Bellator stardom.
