Michael Chandler acknowledges that the perception of him as a cheater in the UFC is somewhat difficult to accept. However, he maintains a clear self-image.
Chandler is scheduled to compete this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 314 in Miami, facing Paddy Pimblett in a five-round fight. The former Bellator champion is aware of the cheating allegations that arose after his losses at Madison Square Garden to Dustin Poirier and, more recently, to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
In the lead-up to this significant lightweight match, Chandler was questioned about these accusations.
“The narrative is indeed tough,” Chandler admitted. “People who don`t know me personally might misunderstand. Unless you are very close to me, you only see my public persona. Some suspect I am disingenuous and behave differently off-camera. Such opinions are inevitable.”
“But I am sure of who I am at my core. I strive to act ethically, treat others respectfully, and conduct myself with honor. Therefore, the cheating narrative is a bit hard to take, but it`s part of public judgment.”
Chandler`s UFC record stands at 2 wins and 4 losses across six fights, yet he has earned a bonus in five of these. “Iron” is seeking his first victory in almost three years when he enters the octagon in 2025 for the first time.
In his previous fight, Chandler lost a decision to Oliveira in a five-round rematch last November, despite a strong comeback attempt in the final round. Oliveira withstood Chandler`s attacks, including blows that many considered to have landed on 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 addressed this before. Things happen in fights. Fighters might grab the cage or get fingers in gloves. These are fight occurrences.”
“In the Oliveira fight, Charles Oliveira pushed his chin so deeply into my eye socket that I feared blindness, which is illegal—an eye gouge. He also grabbed my gloves while attempting a choke. These things happen in the heat of combat. 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 challenging.”
Before fight week, Pimblett was also asked about whether he thought Chandler bends the rules, stating that it is the referee`s responsibility to intervene if rules are broken. He also mentioned a recent comment from Poirier, who said he would have bitten Chandler’s fingers if not for his mouthguard during their UFC 281 fight.
Chandler appreciated Pimblett’s lighthearted approach to the narrative, noting that not all lightweights have shared the same view.
“I respect Paddy for not exaggerating it,” Chandler said. “I see it as a weakness to accuse someone of cheating. Justin Gaethje’s reaction surprised me most. For a fighter as tough as Justin Gaethje to call me a cheater seemed a bit much.”
“Regardless, things occur in the octagon. Fans will not always approve of everything you do; they often disapprove anyway, so it`s not a major concern. I act as I deem necessary in the fight. If referees instruct me to stop, I will. Many actions in the octagon are subconscious, and it’s the referee’s role to correct them.”
“We will see how these next fights unfold.”
