Michael Chandler : ‘Iron Michael’ Chandler has become one of the most popular names in the UFC. The former-title challenger has been in the headlines recently because of the Ultimate Fighter 31 where he is coaching against Conor McGregor. However, in light of his rise to the top of MMA, we look back at his defeats before the UFC. For more combat sports news, follow Insidesport.IN.
Chandler has fought five times in the UFC and all five have been against top-ten opponents. He even challenged Charles Oliveira for the title. However, in his last five bouts, Chandler has lost thrice. This includes losses against Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. But how much did Chandler lose before the UFC? Before the UFC, Chandler made his name in Bellator MMA as a three-time lightweight champion. So here’s a list of his losses in Bellator.
WATCH: How Many Times Did Michael Chandler Lose in Bellator MMA Before Joining the UFC?
Michael Chandler defeats: Who did Chandler lose to?
4. Eddie Alvarez: Chandler competed in Bellator MMA for ten years from 2010 to 2020. His first defeat came in 2013 against Eddie Alvarez, from whom he took the belt in 2011. The rematch did not go as planned as Alvarez took back the belt via a split decision.
3. Will Brooks: Although Chandler is a three-time Bellator champion, it was not without a few hiccups. The loss to Alvarez in 2013 kick-started a three-fight losing streak. Chandler then lost to Will Brooks twice in a row. First by a split decision, and in the rematch, Chandler suffered his first knockout defeat in Bellator MMA.
2. Brent Primus: After his slump, Chandler fought his way back to the top. He beat Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire in 2016 to become the lightweight champion again. However, in 2017, he lost his belt in a shock defeat to Brent Primus. Unlike his other losses, Chandler lost to Brent Primus due to a doctor’s stoppage.
1. Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire: Finally, the last fighter to beat Michael Chandler in Bellator MMA was Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire. The two met in a rematch in 2019, and the Brazilian was eager to set the record straight after losing his belt to Chandler. At this point, Chandler won the lightweight title back from Primus in the rematch. However, he could keep the ‘Pitbull’ at bay, and the Brazilian powered his way to a first-round knockout win.
So there you have it. These were the five Michael Chandler defeats in Bellator before he entered the UFC octagon. Despite this, Chandler will go down as one of Bellator MMA’s greatest-ever fighters.
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