Michael Chandler

How lightweight champ Michael Chandler stays in fighting shape year-round.

- Andrew Gutman

WITH A 16-3 RECORD, VICIOUS HIGHLIGHT-REEL KO’S, and some of the most exciting fights in the history of cage fighting to his name, current Bellator Mixed Martial Arts lightweight champ “Iron” Michael Chandler is a phenom of the sport. Sadly, though, he’s overlooked, as fans increasingly turn to the more popular UFC to get their fill of brawls. Their loss.

“I’m not afraid to say that I’m the world’s best lightweight and that I’d beat Conor McGregor,” the 31-year-old fighter says.

And despite a lack of willing opponents, Chandler is currently prepping for his 20th fight. We spoke with Chandler and his strength coach, Jeff Bristol, to learn how the best MMA fighter you’ve never heard of gets—and stays—ready for war inside the cage.

TRAINING SCHEDULE 

During his eight-week fight camp, Chandler trains twice a day, five days per week and once on Saturdays. He works on both striking and grappling three days per week. However, Chandler is training some aspect of MMA every day. Except for Sundays—those are for recovery. Here is a breakdown of a typical eight-week camp: 

EIGHT WEEKS OUT: