UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has taken to social media to express his disgust over a controversial video featuring MMA Guru, a polarizing content creator known for his loud personality.
The video in question, which quickly went viral, shows MMA Guru performing an impression of Chandler’s children, Hap Whitaker and Ace, both of whom are adopted and black. The impersonation has been widely criticized for its use of a stereotypical “blaccent”.
Chandler, a fan favorite and devoted family man, didn’t hold back in his response. He tweeted, “Just shedding some light on this individual we unfortunately have to call one of our fellow members of the human race. Do your hateful thing man, but leave our kids alone. @THATBOYMMAGURU”
This incident comes on the heels of another recent controversy involving MMA Guru and sports journalist Nina-Marie Daniele. The two engaged in a heated online exchange after Guru made inappropriate comments about another journalist’s appearance during a UFC press conference.
The MMA community has rallied behind Chandler, with many expressing support for the star and condemning MMA Guru’s actions.
Mewanwhile MMA Guru wasn’t affected by criticism.
Despite the controversy, Chandler remains focused on his upcoming rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November. The former Bellator champion is also still hopeful for a future bout with Conor McGregor, despite recent setbacks in scheduling their highly anticipated matchup.
Michael Chandler talks MMA as a Christian: “If all the Christians were skinny little beta males, little afraid to hurt feelings, the Christian faith dies within a decade”
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler openly embraces his Christian faith, but he acknowledges the tension between being a fighter and living out Christian values. On a recent podcast, Chandler addressed fans’ questions about whether MMA’s violence conflicts with Christianity.
“If all the Christians were skinny little beta males, little afraid to hurt feelings, the Christian faith dies within a decade,” Chandler asserted. “We need dudes that are a little bit salty, a little bit on the fringe.”
He argued that in the context of sport, MMA violence is “beautiful” rather than malicious, comparing it to defending someone in need. A self-described “salty Christian,” Chandler believes the faith needs strong, resilient men, not passive ones, to thrive. Despite acknowledging that God despises harmful violence, Chandler sees his role as an MMA fighter as a platform to impact lives and reach people for Christ in an unconventional way. He aims to challenge the stereotype of meekness in Christianity, emphasizing the need for bold believers.
