Michael Chandler is an American professional mixed martial artist competing primarily in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on April 24, 1986, Chandler is known by the nickname "Iron" and is recognized as one of the top lightweights globally. He began his athletic career as a collegiate wrestler at the University of Missouri, where he was a four-time NCAA qualifier, a Division I All-American, two-time runner-up at the Big XII Championships, and a two-year team captain, compiling a 100-30 record[1]. Chandler transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a formidable fighter. He made his professional MMA debut in Bellator MMA in September 2010, where he became the first three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion and set a record for most stoppages in Bellator history with 13 fights ended by stoppage. His tenure at Bellator was marked by multiple "Fight of the Year" nominations (2011, 2013, 2016, 2021, and 2022)[1][2]. In 2020, Chandler made a high-profile move to the UFC, where he continued to demonstrate his skill and resilience. He earned the 2021 UFC Debut of the Year award and has received four UFC Performance of the Night bonuses. Chandler is noted for his aggressive style and has been ranked as high as #5 in the world lightweight rankings. His UFC career features notable fights against top contenders like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje[1][3][4]. As of late 2025, Chandler remains an active competitor in the UFC lightweight division, known for his striking and wrestling prowess, with a professional record of 23 wins and 8 losses. His ongoing presence in highly competitive bouts underscores his relevance and status in mixed martial arts today[3][4].