“Look at Chandler’s quads—there’s so much power in that, good lord. Look at his body. He’s a ball of tense muscles just exploding in your face.” That’s how UFC color commentator Joe Rogan described Michael Chandler’s raw physicality, referencing the brutal head kick that floored Tony Ferguson back at UFC 274. The UFC commentator made the remarks on his podcast while speaking with comedian Shane Gillis—a moment that quickly went viral on Instagram and even drew a reaction from the American himself.
Now in 2025, Michael Chandler sits at #7 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. Though he’s just 1-4 in his last five fights, there’s no denying he still stands out in one department—his physique. At nearly 39 years old (his birthday lands on April 24), the former Bellator champ remains one of the most physically imposing athletes on the roster. Despite the long-hyped showdown with Conor McGregor never materializing, ‘Iron’ didn’t let the two-year wait go to waste. Instead, he used the time to sharpen his tools and stay in peak condition.
While Chandler shares the division with other physical powerhouses like Arman Tsarukyan, one thing truly sets him apart: Weight discipline! Earlier this year, Tsarukyan pulled out of a scheduled bout at UFC 311, reportedly due to an injury sustained during a weight cut. Chandler, on the other hand, has never missed weight—not once—in his entire 16-year professional career. That’s not just impressive, it’s rare. Especially for someone carrying such a muscular, explosive build.
Now, after a five-month hiatus, Michael Chandler is finally back. This Saturday at UFC 314 inside Miami’s Kaseya Center, the fan-favorite will step into the Octagon once again—this time against Liverpool’s own Paddy Pimblett in a highly anticipated co-main event clash. Both men made weight without issue, setting the stage for what’s expected to be a fireworks-filled showdown. Even Chandler’s wife, Brie, couldn’t help but share her pride, posting to her Instagram story: “24 years of cutting weight, and he’s never missed.”
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Michael Chandler and his wife, Brie, have shared a beautiful journey together since 2013. A year into their relationship, they said “I do,” and in 2017, they took the next big step—adopting their first son, Hap. In 2022, their hearts grew even bigger with the adoption of their second son, Ace.
Earlier this month, the former Bellator champion’s family story reached another joyful milestone as they welcomed their daughter into the world via surrogacy—a moment that filled their hearts with pure joy. Brie, beaming with gratitude, reflected on the incredible path that brought their family together. Here’s what she had to say in her own words.
Emotional moments for Michael Chandler’s family ahead of UFC 314
As UFC 314 approaches, the promotion’s return to pay-per-view after a month-long break is already turning heads—and it’s doing so in spectacular fashion. One of the most anticipated matchups on the card is the co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett—a stylistic clash that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Amid the fight preparations in Miami, Michael Chandler received life-changing news—his newborn daughter had arrived. Without a second thought, he flew back to Nashville, Tennessee, to be by his family’s side. The baby, born via surrogacy and carried by a woman named Blair, marked a joyful new chapter for the Chandler family, who shared the announcement through a heartfelt Instagram post.
What moved Brie Chandler the most was her husband’s commitment—not just to his fight career, but to his family. “Michael surprised me by flying in during her C-section,” she wrote on Instagram. “I couldn’t stop crying. He’s less than two weeks away from his next fight, and our little world is full of wonderful chaos. The boys are already in love and completely wrapped around her.”
Now, all eyes shift to UFC 314. What’s your take on Michael Chandler’s upcoming clash with Paddy Pimblett? Can ‘Iron’ rise to the occasion and deliver a show-stopping performance, or will the outspoken Englishman steal the spotlight? Sound off in the comments below.
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