Michael Chandler is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri, Chandler has been a prominent figure in the sport since his professional debut in 2009.
You can follow Michael Chandler’s net worth, prize money, career earnings, endorsements, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Michael Chandler’s Net Worth Details
Michael Chandler’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary and prize money as a professional Mixed Martial Artist, endorsements, business ventures, and other sources.
Salary and Prize money
| Event | Prize Money Earned |
| UFC 257 (Debut against Dan Hooker) | $303,500 |
| UFC 281 (Against Dustin Poirier) | $554,500 |
| UFC 274 (Against Tony Ferguson) | $1,074,500 |
| UFC 268 (Against Justin Gaethje) | Part of $350,000 base salary+bonuses |
Earnings
Michael Chandler’s career earnings and prize money have been substantial throughout his tenure in mixed martial arts, particularly during his time in Bellator MMA and the UFC.
Overall, Michael Chandler’s total MMA recorded fight earnings are reported to be $1,935,500, with his base salary per fight in the UFC averaging around $500,000.
Upon transitioning to the UFC, Chandler’s earnings became more public. His debut at UFC 257 against Dan Hooker resulted in a payout of $303,500, which included his base salary, a win bonus, and a Performance of the Night bonus.
Another significant payday came from his fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, where he earned $1,074,500, including a base salary, a win bonus, a Crypto.com bonus, and a Performance of the Night bonus.
Chandler’s fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 contributed significantly to his earnings. The reported payout was $554,500, which included his base salary and sponsorship money.
Endorsements
Michael Chandler has successfully leveraged his prominence in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world to secure several lucrative endorsement deals, which have contributed significantly to his net worth and public visibility.
His endorsements span a variety of industries, reflecting his appeal across different sectors.
- Dymatize Supplements: Chandler has an endorsement deal with Dymatize, a well-known sports nutrition and supplements company.
- CoinLion: He has also ventured into the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency through an endorsement deal with CoinLion.
- Hiatus Tequila: Beyond sports nutrition and cryptocurrency, Chandler has endorsed Hiatus Tequila.
- Toyota Escondido: In 2017, Chandler was sponsored by Toyota Escondido, a car dealership.
About Michael Chandler
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Michael Chandler Jr. |
| Nickname | Iron |
| Birth Date | April 24, 1986 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (Lightweight) |
| Birthplace | High Ridge, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| College | University of Missouri |
| Turned Professional | 2009 |
| Current Net Worth | $6 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Brie Willett |
| Instagram Profile | @mikechandlermma |
Born on April 24, 1986, in High Ridge, Missouri, Michael Chandler is the second of four children to Michael Sr. and Betty Chandler.
His parents’ dedication to their jobs as union carpenters and secretaries, respectively, laid the foundation for his approach to his career and life.
Early Career
Michael Chandler’s early career in combat sports began with a strong foundation in wrestling, a discipline his father introduced him to at the age of 5.
Chandler finished runner-up at the MSHSAA State Championships during his senior year.
His exceptional performance in high school wrestling earned him the title of Most Valuable Wrestler and a spot on the All-St. Louis Team.
Despite his high school achievements, Chandler entered the University of Missouri without an athletic scholarship, choosing instead to walk onto the school’s wrestling team.
At Missouri, Chandler’s dedication and hard work paid off. He became a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier and amassed 100 career wins.
Chandler’s success at the collegiate level was further underscored by his two-time runner-up finishes at the BIG XII Championships and his role as a two-year team captain.
Professional Career
Michael Chandler’s professional debut came in 2009, and he wasted no time establishing his presence, securing a series of victories that propelled him into the spotlight.
Chandler’s journey took a significant turn when he joined Bellator MMA. He showcased his exceptional skills and fighting spirit in the Bellator, earning him a shot at the Bellator Lightweight Championship.
One of his most notable early victories came in 2011 when he defeated Eddie Alvarez in a thrilling match to win the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Chandler’s tenure in Bellator was marked by several championship reigns, making him a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion. His battles with Alvarez, Will Brooks, and Benson Henderson, among others, were highlights of his career in Bellator.
In 2020, Chandler moved significantly to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier MMA organization.
He made an explosive debut at UFC 257 in January 2021, securing a first-round TKO victory over Dan Hooker.
Despite facing setbacks in his quest for UFC gold, including losing Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 262, Chandler’s performances have been spectacular, earning him Fight of the Night honors.
Wife
Michael Chandler’s wife is Brie Willett. After emailing for almost two years, the couple started dating in 2013 and married in 2014.
The couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where they manage their careers, parenthood, and gym.
They have grown their family through adoption, welcoming their sons Hap and Ace.
Fight Records
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Fights | 31 |
| Wins | 23 |
| By Knockout | 11 |
| By Submission | 7 |
| By Decision | 5 |
| Losses | 8 |
| By Knockout | 4 |
| By Submission | 1 |
| By Decision | 3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Michael Chandler?
Michael Chandler Jr. is an American professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the UFC lightweight division. He previously captured three Bellator Lightweight World Championships and the Season Four Tournament based on sources.
2. What is Michael Chandler’s professional MMA record?
Chandler owns a 23-10 record across 33 professional bouts, with 11 wins by knockout, seven by submission, and five by decision based on sources.
3. What championships has Michael Chandler won?
Chandler is a three-time Bellator Lightweight World Champion and won the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament. He also challenged for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 262 based on sources.
4. When did Michael Chandler join the UFC and make his debut?
He signed with the UFC on September 17, 2020, and made his promotional debut at UFC 257 on January 24, 2021, defeating Dan Hooker via first-round TKO based on sources.
5. What was Michael Chandler’s first UFC title fight?
Chandler’s first UFC title fight was against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 262 on May 15, 2021, where he lost by technical knockout early in the second round based on sources.
6. What notable victories has Michael Chandler achieved in the UFC?
He scored a front-kick knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, earning Performance of the Night, and opened the promotion with a first-round TKO over Dan Hooker based on sources.
7. What is Michael Chandler’s wrestling and martial arts background?
Chandler wrestled at NCAA Division I level for the University of Missouri and holds a black belt in 10th Planet jiu-jitsu. His base style combines collegiate wrestling with submission grappling based on sources.
8. How many first-round finishes does Michael Chandler have?
Chandler has achieved 13 first-round finishes in his professional MMA career, showcasing his fast-paced striking and submission skills across Bellator and UFC bouts based on sources.
9. What are Michael Chandler’s physical attributes?
Chandler stands 5 ft 8 in tall, has a 71 in reach, and competes around 155 lb in the UFC lightweight division based on sources.
10. Which teams and gyms has Michael Chandler trained with?
Throughout his career, Chandler has trained with Xtreme Couture, Alliance MMA, Power MMA, the Blackzilians, and currently with Kill Cliff FC and Nashville MMA based on sources.
