Michael Chandler on a Mission to Inspire at Bellator 157
Michael Chandler on a Mission to Inspire at Bellator 157
Michael Chandler is aiming for greatness, but his quest is bigger than a world title.Chandler acknowledges there's an empowerment that comes with reaching t
Michael Chandler is aiming for greatness, but his quest is bigger than a world title.
Chandler acknowledges there's an empowerment that comes with reaching the top, but 12 pounds of gold won’t be enough to satisfy. The former Missouri wrestling standout wants to fight his way to the very highest level of competition, and solidify himself as one of the world's best at 155-pounds.
To do that, he’ll have to first reclaim the belt he held, and Chandler is poised for the challenge. The former lightweight titleholder will face Patricky Freire this Saturday night at Bellator 157 in St. Louis. Chandler is coming off back-to-back wins with a trifecta in his sights, but his eyes are locked on a larger prize.
“I sometimes forget we’re even fighting for a title,” Chandler said. “For me, every fight in my career has been all about this quest I’m on. I believe I was put in this sport for a reason and that’s to become a great champion and use the platform to inspire and reach people. I’ve never once thought about the paycheck or the show or win money. It’s about winning and accomplishing my goals.
“It’s not these extrinsic motivations that keep me going; it’s this intrinsic higher calling that I have. I can’t deny having the belt and being known as the champion is a great thing, but for me it’s about progress and proving yourself. I’m going to do that on June 23.”
While Chandler has experienced highs and lows inside the cage, he’s never failed to find lessons in the setbacks. Work ethic put Chandler on the path to success in mixed martial arts, and provided the confidence it took for him to call his shot.
“I really did start with Bellator as an unknown guy, and I’m one of their homegrown fighters,” Chandler said. “I put my vision down on paper and said I was going to win two fights and that would get me an opportunity in the tournament. Then I was going to win the next three fights and beat Eddie Alvarez. I tattooed it inside my mind, and that’s exactly what happened.
“I defended the belt for a long time, but fell short a couple of times as well. I really think the entire journey—the wins and losses—have helped make me the man that I am today. I’m extremely happy with where I am in my career and happy with the last contract I signed with Bellator. I’m excited to help them grow.”
Chandler acknowledges there's an empowerment that comes with reaching the top, but 12 pounds of gold won’t be enough to satisfy. The former Missouri wrestling standout wants to fight his way to the very highest level of competition, and solidify himself as one of the world's best at 155-pounds.
To do that, he’ll have to first reclaim the belt he held, and Chandler is poised for the challenge. The former lightweight titleholder will face Patricky Freire this Saturday night at Bellator 157 in St. Louis. Chandler is coming off back-to-back wins with a trifecta in his sights, but his eyes are locked on a larger prize.
“I sometimes forget we’re even fighting for a title,” Chandler said. “For me, every fight in my career has been all about this quest I’m on. I believe I was put in this sport for a reason and that’s to become a great champion and use the platform to inspire and reach people. I’ve never once thought about the paycheck or the show or win money. It’s about winning and accomplishing my goals.
“It’s not these extrinsic motivations that keep me going; it’s this intrinsic higher calling that I have. I can’t deny having the belt and being known as the champion is a great thing, but for me it’s about progress and proving yourself. I’m going to do that on June 23.”
While Chandler has experienced highs and lows inside the cage, he’s never failed to find lessons in the setbacks. Work ethic put Chandler on the path to success in mixed martial arts, and provided the confidence it took for him to call his shot.
“I really did start with Bellator as an unknown guy, and I’m one of their homegrown fighters,” Chandler said. “I put my vision down on paper and said I was going to win two fights and that would get me an opportunity in the tournament. Then I was going to win the next three fights and beat Eddie Alvarez. I tattooed it inside my mind, and that’s exactly what happened.
“I defended the belt for a long time, but fell short a couple of times as well. I really think the entire journey—the wins and losses—have helped make me the man that I am today. I’m extremely happy with where I am in my career and happy with the last contract I signed with Bellator. I’m excited to help them grow.”