Former three-time Bellator Light-weight Champion and present UFC star Michael Chandler has excessive hopes for a historic conflict with Conor McGregor at The White Home in 2026, however for now he’s supporting veterans by way of his partnership with Phorm Power. When speaking about his coaching, Chandler typically refers back to the components of ‘Power + Pace = Energy’ for fulfillment, however how does that break down within the gymnasium? And what are among the finest workout routines to duplicate the idea? Muscle & Health came upon.
Michael Chandler is 23-10-0 in MMA and presently ranked #12 in UFC’s Light-weight division, however he’s additionally set to face Chad Mendes in a Actual American Freestyle match on November 29, and is within the body to face Connor McGregor at The White Home in June, 2026. This titan from Tennessee could also be 39, however his sturdiness is with out query. “I believe the rationale I’ve had such an extended profession and reward God, very minimal accidents, is the truth that my physique is robust in these finish ranges and in these versatile areas,” Chandler tells M&F. “I can carry heavy weights, and I do additionally incorporate power plus velocity to extend energy. I’m nearing 40 years outdated, however I can nonetheless bounce simply as excessive as after I was 25. I’m simply as robust, simply as quick, simply as explosive, as a result of I believe I focus a lot on the power and conditioning facet of issues.”
Certainly, not all MMA fighters relish making these reps within the gymnasium fairly as a lot as Michael Chandler. So the place does his ethos come from? “That was my coach, Todd Durkin,” explains the thrilling fighter. For the uninitiated, Durkin is credited by many for the longevity of New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees.
Michael Chandler’s ‘Power + Pace = Energy’ Coaching Methodology
“We would like to have the ability to bounce, however the sturdiness issue is form of an important factor,” explains the UFC star. “Particularly on this sport, or you consider American soccer. So, we at all times coupled some power exercises with a velocity exercise and supersetted them, so to talk, to extend energy and longevity.”
Chandler shares instance pairings so as to do that components out for your self. “A few my favorites are both entice bar deadlift or simply conventional squat or lunges, coupled with both broad jumps—so far as you’ll be able to or as excessive as you’ll be able to, or field jumps as excessive as you’ll be able to,” provides the fighter. “So, you’re form of loading up the muscle, fatiguing it, after which going proper into one thing quick and one thing explosive to extend that energy. Similar factor could be if you happen to did form of a conventional bench press or a dumbbell bench press — load it up heavy after which lay in your again after which explode a med ball as quick as you’ll be able to. So, you’re doing one thing very gentle and quick and explosive proper after you load up the heavier weights on these particular muscle teams.”
Michael Chandler and Phorm Power are Supporting Our Troops
When he’s not within the gymnasium, Chandler is usually discovering methods to pay it ahead by way of his affiliation with Phorm Power. The model’s nationwide launch of ‘Honor. Educate. Unite,’ sees a limited-time-only cherry slush taste hitting 7-Eleven shops, with every can bought leading to a donation to Folds of Honor—a nonprofit group that gives households of fallen or disabled U.S service members and first responders with educational scholarships. Chandler, who not too long ago participated within the Folds of Honor celeb softball sport in Nashville, has a deep connection to the trigger. “I’ve donated my time, vitality, effort, and sources to Folds of Honor for a lot of, a few years,” explains the athlete, proudly. “It’s nearly exhibiting up, main with love, doing the best factor, doing the onerous work, safeguarding the helpless and taking good care of individuals.” And, since Phorm Power has zero sugar, solely pure flavors, and caffeine derived from inexperienced tea extract, it’s additionally a drink that has delight of place in Chandler’s personal gymnasium bag.
Michael Chandler is At all times Reinventing Himself
As one of the thrilling MMA athletes within the historical past of the game, Chandler nonetheless has his sights firmly set on the long run. First up, he’ll tackle Chad Mendes in a middleweight bout for Actual American Freestyle on Nov. 29. Then, there’s the prospect of that historical past making UFC bout subsequent June at The White Home. “I’m going to remain coaching like I at all times do,” says Chandler. “Keep targeted on coaching, proceed to remain busy, proceed to serve my household, proceed to construct this life and legacy that I’ve. And, if the combat involves fruition, that’s nice. It looks as if it’s occurring, or it looks as if it’s shifting in that course, so we’ll simply carry on hoping and praying that’s precisely what occurs.”
Earlier than that, Chandler tells M&F that he’s now headed to London to movie for a film and can also be maintaining with all of the motion in WWE. “I might love Roman Reigns,” he says of a future blockbuster professional wrestling bout. “I simply assume it might be a number of enjoyable.” Whether or not it’s on the mat, within the cage, or contained in the ring, by no means change, Michael Chandler!
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