Michael Chandler‘s UFC career has been one of the most unusual in recent memory. The former Bellator lightweight champion made a spectacular debut in the promotion with a dominant victory, raising expectations. However, his time in the organization has remained inconsistent and underwhelming and there may be a compelling reason behind it.
Michael Chandler has lost four out of his professional UFC bouts in the last four years. UFC veteran Eddie Alvarez recently talked in detail about Michael Chandler’s fighting style. Previously, Alvarez fought Chandler twice at Bellator. The former champion went into detail and shared the ultimate reason why the ‘Iron’ is not being able to win bouts.
If you ask him, he’s underperformed. He’ll know the reason for that or whatever the reasons are, but for sure I think he has all the tools to win the UFC title…It’s very frustrating for me to watch because I know what he’s capable of, and what kind of grit and champion spirit he has.
Eddie Alvarez via MMA Junkie
Eddie Alvarez revealed that Michael Chandler has impressive wrestling, which he doesn’t necessarily use to dominate his opponents. In his last outing against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, fans had high hopes for the American lightweight. However, the result was identical to the first bout as the former champion destroyed the All-American.
Similar to his previous fights, ‘Iron’ focused on the theatrics and putting on a show for the fans. Oliveira completely dominated the All-American wrestler in grappling. It was an entertaining bout filled with some incredible moments throughout the five rounds. Chandler’s post-fight interview was filled with positive energy, in contrast to the result.
UFC veteran shares the real reason why Michael Chandler lost at UFC 309
Michael Chandler made his UFC debut at the age of 35 and has an incredible MMA career behind him. From his first fight and call-out, Chandler made sure that he’s here in the UFC for a good time not a long time. Till now, he has stayed true to his promises and given energetic bouts every time he stepped inside the octagon.
Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 (via MMA Fighting)At UFC 309, Chandler made his UFC return after a two-year gap where he waited for the Conor McGregor fight. It was a big money fight that never took place and cost the American fighter his valuable years. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson cited this as the main reason for Chandler’s loss against Charles Oliveira.
I think Chandler would have won if he didn’t slip so much. I think he was really rusty. How long did he wait for the Conor McGregor fight? He had Charles hurt.
Rampage Jackson via JAXXON Podcast
Other than ring rust, it was safe to say that Charles Oliveira showed a whole new side of him at UFC 309. The Brazilian outwrestled Chandler and made a statement for his contention for the lightweight title. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what’s next for Chandler after the latest beatdown.
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