Michael Chandler is back within the win column for the primary time in greater than three years.
The UFC lightweight contender last tasted victory when he front-kick KO’d Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 in May 2022.
Since then, the previous three-time Bellator champion has suffered defeats by the hands of Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Paddy Pimblett.
Michael Chandler returned to his wrestling roots to tackle a UFC legend at RAF03 on Saturday night.
- FAN POLL: Conor McGregor is facing a brand new challenge he hasn’t encountered before in UFC comeback
Michael Chandler calls out Jordan Burroughs
Real American Freestyle (RAF), the primary unscripted pro-wrestling league, hosted its third event in Chicago on November 29.
Former UFC star Chad Mendes was a more completed wrestler during his collegiate profession.
Still, Michael Chandler was in a position to handily beat him within the principal event resulting from his size, power, and speed.
‘Iron Mike’ won 4-1 before issuing a callout to Olympic gold medalist wrestler Jordan Burroughs.
“I’d wish to say since 2009, there was a man on the market from the Midwest within the Big 12, who beat me a few times, that I haven’t been in a position to get him off my mind,” Chandler said post-fight.
“Jordan Burroughs, this ain’t 2009! I’m larger, I’m faster, I’m stronger, I’m more dangerous!
“Jump within the RAF ring with me, if you happen to dare.”
Who should headline the UFC White House card?
Michael Chandler’s next UFC fight
Michael Chandler’s downturn began when he began waiting for a fight against Conor McGregor.
They filmed The Ultimate Fighter together in 2023, with the intention of facing one another at the tip.
Two years later, Chandler and McGregor are still talking up their seemingly cursed UFC clash.
Each men have expressed their desire to fight on the UFC White House event in June 2026.
McGregor is one in all the frontrunners to headline the once-in-a-lifetime MMA event, but we won’t know if he’s gotten the nod for a number of months, as UFC CEO Dana White won’t start constructing the cardboard until February.
Within the meantime, Chandler hopes to remain busy and keep his wrestling skills sharp within the RAF.