Tom Aspinall enjoys watching Michael Chandler fight, but can’t imagine how his corner feels.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) runs things back with Charles Oliveira (34-10 MMA, 22-10 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 309 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Hulu/FX, ESPN+) co-main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chandler has earned four bonuses in five octagon appearances, thrilling fans with incredible knockouts and barnburners. With a decorated collegiate wrestling background and dynamite in his hands, Chandler is an all-around threat, but Aspinall thinks the former Bellator champion doesn’t always lean on the necessary skillset when he competes.
“I think Mike Chandler, especially, he’s got to be one of the most frustrating people to coach ever,” Aspinall told TNT Sports. “Tactics when he fights are just completely out the window, and he just goes for it. He’s just basically having a street fight with a pair of gloves on. It’s fantastic to watch.”
Aspinall, however, does appreciate the entertainment Chandler always provides.
“He just fights with pure aggression and athleticism, really,” Aspinall said. “Obviously, he’s very technical, but he chooses not to use that in a way. For me, sometimes I love technique. I love the finesse of fighting. But sometimes, just like anybody else, I just like to watch a good scrap. So this guy’s entertainment every time.”
Chandler lost his first outing against Oliveira by knockout in their vacant lightweight title fight in May 2021. Chandler was able to drop Oliveira in Round 1, which also included submission threats from both sides. However, Oliveira rallied to take Chandler out in the opening seconds of Round 2.
Aspinall expects their rematch to be just as wild.
“Put these two guys in, you close the octagon doors, you ring the bell, and it’s just going to be absolute chaos,” Aspinall said. “I’m looking forward to being cageside for that one.”
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