Michael Chandler blasts critics and "35-feet away" commentators while addressing dirty fighter claims post Charles Oliveira rematch
Michael Chandler returned to the octagon for the first time in two years earlier this month as he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The No. 7-ranked lightweight faced claims that he is a dirty fighter following the bout and recently addressed those remarks.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, 'Iron' was asked why he doesn't believe he did anything wrong, responding:
"The unified rule of mixed martial arts say that there is a line drawn from the crown of the head down to the neck, one inch variance on either side so you're talking about a two-inch area on the back of someone's head that is considered the back of the head... Almost all of them, or at least where I was aiming, all of them, my hand, my fist was catching the ear. So, if you're catching the ear, that is not the back of the head."
Chandler continued:
"What you and I would call the back of the head is not what the actual definition of the back of the head is - that two-inch strip down the back of the head. And a referee, who was within two feet away, never said one thing about it. And then you got commentators who were 35 feet away saying it's the back of the head. And then you've got other people who are saying that's the back of the head."
Check out Michael Chandler's full comments on criticism following UFC 309 below:
Chandler noted that things are moving fast in the octagon. He added that if referee Keith Peterson had warned him, he would have changed courses in how he was attacking Oliveira. 'Iron' claimed that media, commentators and fans should all understand what the rules define as the back of the head.
Michael Chandler rates his performance against Charles Oliveira
Michael Chandler lost the first four rounds of his UFC 309 lightweight title eliminator clash with Charles Oliveira. The No. 7-ranked lightweight was critical of his performance during the bout, revealing that he believes he would beat his opponent nine times out of ten.
During his recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler stated:
"I'm not happy with my performance. I would give myself a two out of 10. I cannot overstate how horrible of a performance this was, or set of circumstances it was after that first round, compared to what my vision was for what I am capable of. And I believe I beat Charles Oliveira nine times out of ten. Obviously, I've lost to him twice now. Two out of two. I have a 100% loss rate to Charles Oliveira."
Check out Michael Chandler's comments on his performance against Charles Oliveira below:
Chandler previously faced Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 in 2021. 'Do Bronx' was able to capture the belt via second-round TKO. After his latest victory over 'Iron', the No.2-ranked lightweight will likely have the opportunity to reclaim the title in his next bout.