UFC’s Michael Chandler explains why he’s one of the only UFC stars that actually WANT his kids in MMA

Jean Lefevre

When most elite combat sports athletes think about their children’s futures, cage doors and octagon canvas rarely factor into their dreams. Yet UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler stands apart from many of his peers, embracing a philosophy that might surprise parents everywhere. He talked about it in a recent podcast episode.

While former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly stated his children will not compete in martial arts, noting he knows how to protect them himself, Chandler takes the opposite approach with his eight-year-old son, Hap.

The difference in perspective became crystal clear during Chandler’s recent experiences bringing his son to his bouts. Hap witnessed his father’s spectacular front kick knockout against Tony Ferguson, a moment many consider among the sport’s most memorable finishes. But the young boy also saw the other side of competition at Chandler’s most recent contest.

“He’s bleeding, and I’m getting stitches, and he’s back in the back tent, and he kind of starts crying a little bit because you’re watching your dad. You’re a hero, you know?” Chandler explained.

Some might question exposing a child to such intense moments. Chandler acknowledges this, saying: “Maybe there might be people out there like, he probably shouldn’t let your kid see that. He’s only eight years old. You’re going to traumatize him.”

But for the veteran competitor, these experiences serve a greater purpose. He believes watching both success and setbacks teaches invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the cage.

“I want my kids and my sons especially to know that you’re going to take your lumps, you’re going to take your bruises,” Chandler stated. “And our scars that we accrue by doing things and by throwing them, we’re throwing ourselves into the fire.”

For Chandler, those physical marks represent something profound. “The scars tell a story, and the scars tell people that you’re battle-tested. But then more importantly, the scars remind everybody that you’re still here.”

Rather than shielding Hap from difficulty, Chandler wants his son to understand that setbacks, injuries, and disappointments are part of pursuing excellence in any demanding endeavor.

“My son now has gotten to see what I do every day and how I operate and how I train and how I live my life. But then also he’s seen the triumph of victory, but he’s also seen the tragedy of defeat and loss and blood and cuts and stitches and doctor, and is dad okay?” Chandler reflected.

The debate over whether professional athletes should encourage their children toward similarly demanding paths will likely continue. But Chandler remains convinced that authentic exposure to both achievement and adversity builds character in ways that protection cannot replicate.

Jean Lefevre