Why did Michael Chandler adopt his sons Hap and Ace? The UFC star's comments on the matter
Apart from his high-octane fighting style, Michael Chandler has also earned praise for being a devoted father to his sons Hap (adopted in 2017) and Ace (adopted in 2022). Some, however, have scrutinized Chandler's parenting of two African-American children.
The notion that Michael and his wife Brie Chandler, both of Caucasian ethnicity, may be unable to efficiently raise adopted children of African-American ethnicity has been suggested. Critics argued that Chandler's upbringing might leave him underprepared for socio-political elements like racism and colorism that his sons may eventually face from certain malevolent outsiders.
Others opined that they ought to seek advice from African-American parents to help instill a proper understanding of how one's skin color could alter social dynamics. Well, Chandler, who rematches Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 (Nov. 16, 2024), has been quite vocal about why he adopted African-American children.
Why Michael Chandler adopted his sons Hap and Ace?
The criticisms against Brie and Michael Chandler intensified after his comments on the Shawn Ryan Show in April 2024. In regard to their adopted children, Chandler stated:
"I'm not raising black children. I'm raising children. And whether you are black or you are white, no matter what race that 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 for those who need it. And being a good man, a good man of reputation, none of that has to do with skin color. Everything has to do with the character of the man."
Moreover, Chandler explained that certain things about being a good person transcend skin color, religion, age, gender and other factors.
Watch Chander's assessment below:
Watch Michael Chandler's interview below (*comments at 1:48:08):
On The Pivot Podcast in June 2024, Michael Chandler addressed the fallout that stemmed from his aforementioned remarks. A self-acknowledged Christian, Chandler recounted that Brie and her father were extensively engaged in missionary work in inner-city regions and on trips to Jamaica.
The 38-year-old explained that Brie wanted to adopt an African-American boy since she was a teenager. Apparently, Brie aimed to act on her adoption plan provided she married "a good man." She spoke with Michael about it in San Diego, California. Chandler noted that it was the first time he heard about her plan, which is how their mutually-powered adoption process started. He said:
"My wife has wanted to adopt an African-American boy since she was a teenager."
Michael Chandler asserted he'll eventually have pertinent conversations about race with his sons (seven and two years of age) when it's "age-appropriate."
Chandler explained that he and Brie consistently exchange ideas with their African-American friends and mixed-race families to provide their sons with a diverse cultural education. The Pivot Podcast host Ryan Clark later took to X, addressing the criticism against the Chandlers whilst also lauding Michael and Brie for exuding love.
Watch Chandler discuss the topic below (39:30):