Every MMA fighter is known for something that sets them apart—whether it’s their unorthodox approach, their technical prowess, or their raw power. Michael Chandler, a former Bellator Lightweight Champion, is no exception. He has built a reputation for his explosive style, relentless aggression, and high-octane approach to every fight.
However, despite his successes, Chandler’s fighting style has also raised some concerns and had an impact on sports predictions today, particularly around his ability to control certain aspects of his technique and his handling of opponents who employ a more calculated, strategic approach.
Michael Chandler’s Fighting Style: Aggression Personified
From the moment Chandler steps into the cage, his intent is clear: dominate. A fighter who thrives on forward pressure, Chandler’s style is built around a relentless pursuit of his opponents. He possesses an aggressive striking game, backed by solid power in his punches, and an ability to mix things up quickly. His game is often defined by his willingness to exchange strikes in the pocket, where he isn’t afraid to trade heavy punches in an attempt to land something that will end the fight quickly.
Chandler’s approach to fighting is high-paced, often overwhelming his opponents with speed and aggression. He is well-known for starting strong and attempting to push the tempo right from the opening bell. His striking is complemented by solid wrestling, which allows him to dominate in scrambles and control opponents both on the feet and on the ground. His wrestling is especially important when he faces opponents who have a more technical approach, as Chandler can dictate where the fight takes place — whether it's on the feet or in a more controlled grappling position.
Perhaps one of Chandler's most notable attributes is his ability to recover quickly in fights. Even when he’s been rocked or appears to be in a bad position, he has a remarkable ability to regain his composure and come back with a vengeance. This “never say die” attitude has served him well throughout his career and has won him the admiration of fans and analysts alike.
However, while Chandler's style is undoubtedly exciting and has brought him success, it’s not without its concerns, especially as he competes against some of the best fighters in the UFC.
Concerns About Chandler’s Fighting Style
Despite his thrilling performances, Chandler’s aggressive approach has led to a series of concerns that have been raised by fans, analysts, and fellow fighters. One of the primary criticisms of his fighting style is his tendency to overextend when attacking. His aggressive nature often leads him to chase his opponents with wild strikes, leaving himself vulnerable to counterattacks. This can be especially dangerous when facing fighters with superior striking defense or those who can capitalize on openings left by Chandler’s forward pressure.
In his UFC debut against Dan Hooker, Chandler demonstrated just how dangerous his style could be, winning the fight in spectacular fashion with a first-round knockout. While the knockout was impressive, Chandler’s aggressive approach was evident—he moved forward relentlessly, engaging in a high-paced exchange that ultimately paid off. However, in some instances, this has led him to take risks that could have been avoided, especially against a more calculated and experienced striker.
Another area of concern is Chandler’s defense. While his offensive capabilities are unquestioned, his defense is a bit more vulnerable. He has been hit with significant shots in several of his fights, and his ability to absorb damage has been put to the test on multiple occasions. In his fight against Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship, Chandler showed his vulnerability when he was rocked by a clean hook from Oliveira. Though he managed to recover and continue, the fact remains that his aggressive style can sometimes leave him open to significant counters.
Chandler’s lack of emphasis on defensive movement is another aspect that has drawn criticism. Unlike fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov or even Justin Gaethje, who prioritize defensive positioning and footwork to evade strikes, Chandler tends to take more risks by moving straight forward. This leaves him susceptible to fighters who can maintain range and capitalize on his overzealousness.
The Pros and Cons of Chandler’s Style Against Elite Opponents
Against lesser competition, Chandler’s aggressive and explosive style can be a real asset. His ability to push the pace, cut angles, and control the center of the octagon gives him a clear advantage in many matchups. However, against elite opponents like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, Chandler’s style has its flaws exposed.
Chandler’s performance against Oliveira is a perfect example of how his aggression can be exploited by a more patient and methodical fighter. In the early rounds, Chandler was successful in landing powerful strikes and controlling the action, but as the fight progressed, Oliveira’s composure allowed him to find openings and capitalize on Chandler’s tendency to overcommit. Oliveira’s ability to absorb the pressure and then counterpunch with precision ultimately led to Chandler’s downfall.
Against Poirier and Gaethje, Chandler’s aggressive style has faced similar challenges. Poirier’s ability to withstand pressure and calmly strike back makes him a difficult matchup for someone like Chandler, who thrives on forcing opponents into exchanges. Gaethje, with his leg kicks and defensive movement, has been a difficult opponent for Chandler in the past as well, with Chandler often struggling to keep up with Gaethje’s ability to control distance and dictate the pace of the fight.
These kinds of elite-level matchups have raised questions about whether Chandler’s approach is sustainable against the highest levels of competition. Can he continue to employ such an aggressive, high-risk game plan without it catching up to him?
Will Michael Chandler Evolve His Fighting Style?
In recent interviews, Chandler has expressed an understanding of the need to evolve as a fighter. He has spoken about incorporating more strategic thinking into his game and being less reliant on his explosive nature. This is particularly important as he gets older and faces tougher competition in the UFC. Fighters like Oliveira, Gaethje, and Poirier are not easily overwhelmed by aggression, and Chandler will need to find new ways to be effective against such opponents.
The evolution of Chandler’s fighting style could make him even more dangerous, as he already possesses excellent wrestling and knockout power. If he can combine these attributes with a more patient, measured approach, he may be able to mitigate some of the risks that come with his current style.
While it remains to be seen how Chandler will adjust moving forward, the fact remains that his style has made him one of the most exciting and unpredictable fighters in the UFC today. Fans are eager to see how his evolution as a fighter unfolds, especially as he continues to compete against the best in the lightweight division.
Conclusion
Michael Chandler’s fighting style is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, his explosive aggression and high pace make him an exciting fighter to watch. On the other hand, his tendency to overextend and leave himself open to counters has been a point of concern, especially against elite competition. As Chandler continues his UFC career, it will be interesting to see how he adapts his game to address these weaknesses and whether he can evolve into a more well-rounded fighter who can challenge for a championship in the lightweight division.
In the world of MMA, evolution is key to longevity, and Chandler’s ability to adapt will determine how far he can go in his career. Whether he can overcome these concerns and become a more complete fighter remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure — his next fight will be one worth watching.
