Possibly the most explosive fighter in the lightweight division of the UFC, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler’s passion for the sport of MMA can only be matched by his other passion—being a great family man. Iron Mike has always been vocal about his love for his family. Not wanting to conceive but adopt, Chandler and his wife Brie adopted two African-American children—Hap joined them in 2017, and Ace joined them in 2022. In a controversy which is absurd indeed, Chandler is being trolled for having colored children.

While talking on the Shawn Ryan Show, Chandler dove into the controversy around his adopted children and gave a response to the racist comments against his family. In what is a shameful act in the MMA community, racism stands as one of the acts that just cannot be tolerated, whether it’s inside or outside the Octagon.

While talking about his kids, Chandler said: “I’m not raising black children, I’m raising children. I’m not raising black men, I’m raising men. Whether you are black or you are white, no matter what race you are. There are certain things about being a man and being a good man when it comes to character and integrity and safeguarding the helpless and sticking up with those who need it. Being a good man, a man with reputation. None of that has to do with skin colour. This is exactly how God created us to be. This is exactly how my family unit is supposed to be.”

Recently, ‘Iron’ Mike announced that he and his wife have adopted a third child through surrogacy. His pictures show a beautiful family blessed with happiness. With three children and his wife Brie, Michael Chandler has figured out a huge part of his life with more than enough focus left for the sport of MMA, where he will face a rather difficult opponent in Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. While Chandler stands as the favorite in the eyes of veterans, Pimblett has a lot of threats to keep him worried.

Michael Chandler’s path to redemption in the UFC

Chandler’s journey in the UFC has reached a rather pivotal moment. With his last few fights ending in a loss against Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, Chandler has no options but to leave everything inside the Octagon when he faces Pimblett on Saturday night, with what veterans believe is a do or die situation for him.

Irrespective of his losses in the UFC, Michael Chandler’s explosiveness and firepower have led many to respect him for his exhilarating fights and heavy exchanges. While talking about Chandler after his loss to Oliveira, UFC President Dana White said: “The kid always tries to win. He always comes to fight and Michael Chandler’s always going to have a home here. Until he decides to retire, Michael Chandler isn’t going anywhere.” It’s quite something to be recognized by a fanbase for not even coming out on top but being respected for your fighting spirit and your heart inside the Octagon.

And that is the only thing Michael Chandler does not lack—a heart. As he now heads inside the Octagon once again, he will look to fight for more than just his record and more than just a possible UFC title shot, he will look to protect his legacy.