UFC fighter Michael Chandler has faced criticism from several recent opponents.
Michael Chandler is set to fight Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami this Saturday. After waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor last year, Chandler aims to win again after losing in four of his last six UFC fights.
Following recent defeats to Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier, Chandler has been heavily criticized by Oliveira, Poirier, fans, and former rivals for using questionable tactics. He has been accused of actions like fish-hooking and fence grabbing, which referees didn`t immediately penalize.
These controversies have led some in the MMA community to label Chandler a ‘cheater’.
Michael Chandler acknowledges that it`s difficult to hear fighters call him a ‘cheater’.
Chandler says he is committed to both intense competition and entertaining fans. He has consistently denied cheating to gain an unfair advantage, despite increasing accusations.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Chandler admits he finds it challenging when former opponents accuse him of bending the rules in the Octagon.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Chandler was asked about dealing with ‘cheater’ accusations from fellow fighters.
“The narrative is tough,” Chandler admitted. “People don’t really know me. Unless you are close to me, you don`t know who I really am outside of the public eye. People suspect that I am only nice in front of cameras and not genuine behind them.”
“Accusations will always happen, right? But I know who I am, and at my core, I try to do the right thing, treat people well, and act with honor and respect. So, the cheating label is hard for me to accept, but it’s also part of public opinion.”
During his recent loss to Oliveira, Chandler appeared to strike the back of Oliveira’s head while attempting a finish. Brent Primus, Chandler’s former Bellator opponent, was a prominent critic of Chandler’s actions at UFC 309.
Primus, Poirier, and Oliveira are not the only well-known fighters who have criticized Chandler recently. Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, who is debuting at UFC 314, criticized Chandler for saying he would ‘beat his entire family’ before their Bellator 221 fight.
Despite these controversies, Chandler remains popular with many fight fans and is likely to receive a positive reception at UFC 314. A victory over Pimblett could put Chandler back in contention for the lightweight title, while a defeat could bring him closer to retirement.
Chandler has a lot to prove at UFC 314 against Pimblett. Beyond title aspirations, Chandler wants to be seen as a sportsman who competes fairly.
Rupert Hartwell