Michael Chandler acknowledges that the perception of him as a cheater in the UFC is somewhat difficult to accept. However, he maintains a strong sense of self-awareness and integrity.
Chandler is preparing for his upcoming fight this Saturday, a five-round co-main event at UFC 314 in Miami against Paddy Pimblett. The former Bellator champion is aware of the cheating allegations that arose after his defeats at Madison Square Garden to Dustin Poirier and, more recently, Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
Leading up to this significant lightweight clash, Chandler was questioned about these accusations.
“This narrative is indeed challenging,” Chandler admitted in an interview. “People who don`t personally know me might misjudge my character based on my public persona. Some might assume my on-camera politeness is a facade for a negative personality behind the scenes. Such assumptions are inevitable in the public eye.”
“But I am confident in my own character and values. I strive to act ethically, treat others with respect, and conduct myself with honor. Therefore, the cheating narrative is personally hard to take, but I understand it’s part of public opinion and scrutiny.”
Chandler`s UFC record stands at 2-4 across six fights, though he has earned a bonus in five of these appearances. “Iron” Chandler is seeking his first victory in almost three years as he approaches his first fight of 2025.
In his previous fight, this past November, Chandler suffered a decision loss to Oliveira in a five-round rematch. Despite the loss, he almost achieved a remarkable comeback in the final round. Oliveira withstood a series of strikes from Chandler, including some that were considered by many to be illegal blows to the back of Oliveira’s head, although referee Keith Peterson issued no warnings.
Despite this, the cheating narrative resurfaced.
“Did I grab Dustin Poirier’s mouthpiece? Yes, I did, mistaking it for his chin,” Chandler explained. “I’ve already addressed this incident. In the heat of a fight, actions happen quickly. Reaching for the cage or getting fingers caught in gloves are examples of such unintentional occurrences.”
“In the Oliveira fight, Charles Oliveira’s chin pressed so forcefully into my eye socket that I feared blindness, which itself is an illegal eye gouge. He also grabbed my gloves while attempting to choke me. These kinds of things occur in the octagon. I would never accuse Charles Oliveira of cheating. His body is reacting instinctively in a fight-or-flight situation. Things just happen. So, this cheating narrative is tough to accept.”
Prior to fight week, Pimblett was also asked about his opinion on Chandler potentially bending rules. Pimblett stated that it’s the referee`s responsibility to intervene if rules are broken. He also mentioned Dustin Poirier’s recent comment about potentially biting Chandler’s fingers had he not been wearing a mouthguard during their UFC 281 fight.
Chandler appreciated Pimblett’s more lighthearted approach to the narrative. However, he noted that not all lightweights have reacted similarly.
“I respect Paddy for not overemphasizing it,” Chandler said. “I consider it a sign of weakness to accuse someone of cheating. Justin Gaethje’s reaction was particularly surprising to me. For a fighter as tough as Justin Gaethje to accuse me of cheating felt unwarranted.”
“Regardless, various incidents happen during fights. Fans will always have mixed opinions, and often a significant portion will be critical anyway, so it’s not overly concerning. I act according to what I deem necessary in the fight, and I trust the referee to intervene if I cross a line. Many actions in the octagon are instinctive, and it’s the referee’s role to regulate them.”
“We’ll see how these next fights unfold.”
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