Call UFC star Michael Chandler what you will— a cheater, eye poker, rabbit puncher, or just plain controversial! Whether those accusations hold weight or not is up for debate. But if there’s one area where ‘Iron’ stands undisputed, that’s fatherhood. On April 12th, under the bright lights of Miami’s Kaseya Center, the American entered the Octagon for the seventh time. But the night didn’t go his way. Coming in nearly 9 years younger and riding a wave of momentum, Paddy Pimblett delivered a crushing barrage of brutal ground and pound that sent Chandler straight to the canvas.
A devastating loss that silenced the crowd and added another painful chapter to Chandler’s recent losing skid. The defeat itself was brutal, but the bigger concern now hangs over his career. ‘Iron’ has dropped five of his last six fights, and the questions surrounding the future of the former three-time Bellator champion are only getting louder. But what made this loss hit even harder was who was watching. For the first time, the American’s eldest son, Hap, was there in the corner, watching his father fall. And for a young boy who idolizes his dad, witnessing defeat firsthand was a moment filled with emotion, confusion, and heartbreak.
Backstage, however, Michael Chandler turned pain into a teaching moment. In a heartfelt Instagram clip that’s since gone viral, ‘Iron’ and his son shared a quiet moment—a “Nutella cheer” in the locker room. With his face still swollen and stitched, the three-time Bellator champ posted a raw, powerful caption that struck a chord with fans:
Chandler and his wife Brie have built a beautiful family through adoption and surrogacy. The couple adopted their eldest son, Hap, in 2017, followed by their younger son, Ace, in 2022—both African American. Most recently, they welcomed a baby girl, Dru Miller Chandler, born via gestational surrogacy. Brie, who praised ‘Iron’ for rushing to the hospital to meet their daughter despite having a fight just a week before, joyfully announced the news on social media.
It was a touching reminder of the kind of father and partner Chandler is. A man who always puts his family first, no matter what’s on the line. Still, despite his dedication, the American hasn’t been free from criticism when it comes to his parenting choices. But he didn’t stay silent—he had something to say to the critics. Let’s take a look!
Michael Chandler responds to the criticism over raising black kids
When news of Michael Chandler’s adopted Black children began to circulate online, he quickly found himself under a wave of criticism. From memes to harsh comments, some accused him of using his sons for publicity or pushing an agenda. But ‘Iron’ refused to entertain the backlash. For him, fatherhood knows no color, and adopting African American children had always been a dream close to his wife Brie’s heart since her college days.
Opening up on The Shawn Show, Michael Chandler shared his honest thoughts on parenting and what led them to adopt their sons, Hap (7) and Ace (2). “I’m not raising Black children, I’m raising children. Whether you’re Black or white, no matter your race, there are certain values that define what it means to be a good man—things like character, integrity, protecting the vulnerable, and standing up for what’s right. Being a man of principle and reputation has nothing to do with skin color. It’s all about the content of your character. That might not be the popular answer, but it’s the truth—and it’s the world we’re living in.”
As for Iron’s future inside the Octagon—what lies ahead? At nearly 39, can he still find a path back to title contention? Or is it finally time to hang up the gloves? With five losses in his last six outings, the odds aren’t in his favor. But if there’s one thing Michael Chandler has never done, it’s shy away from a fight. What do you think—should ‘Iron’ call it a career, or does he still have one last run left in him? Let us know in the comments.
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