Michael Chandler didn’t win his UFC 314 fight against Paddy Pimblett, but he won hearts with a viral fatherhood moment.
Chandler is a father of three, two of whom are adopted. After the fight, the 38-year-old shared an encouraging message to his oldest son, Hap.
Michael Chandler Motivates Son Hap After UFC 314 Loss
Chandler lost to Paddy Pimblett by third-round TKO at UFC 314. It was his third straight loss, but backstage, he stayed upbeat and made a heartfelt pledge with his son.
Chandler said: “Challenge, we are going to work extremely hard. We’re going to try and do the best we can. Sometimes, we are going to fall short. Gonna come up short. We’re always gonna keep our head up. Even if you gets some cut on your face. I love you.”
Hap repeated his dad’s words, and fans on social media reacted to the emotional moment.
Check out the video of Michael Chandler with his son below, courtesy @Home_of_Fight:
🥹❤️ Michael Chandler shares a heartfelt moment with his son backstage after his loss at #UFC314
"Sometimes we’re gonna fall short, come up short — but we’re always gonna keep our heads up."
🎥 @MikeChandlerMMA ▫️ pic.twitter.com/0mSb20VP1j
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 17, 2025
Praising Chandler, a fan commented:
“That is one lucky kid”
Another fan wrote:
“biological son or not, he’s a great father”
Others agreed, posting:
“Bro talking about ‘falling short’ while being the best dad of all time”
Michael Chandler Compared to Popular Boxer by UFC CEO Dana White
Despite his 2-5 UFC record, Michael Chandler still has the support of UFC CEO Dana White. Most fighters might be cut with a similar record, but Chandler isn’t most fighters. Three of his five Performance of the Night bonuses came from fights he lost.
At the UFC 314 post-fight press conference, White was asked about Chandler.
White said, “He’s always in the fight. I mean, he’s always in the fight. You know, tonight was a big night for Paddy Pimblett. People, like we were just talking about people have been doubting Paddy Pimblett every single fight he fights, and he’s undefeated in the UFC.”
White went on to compare Chandler to a well-known boxer: “Chandler is, Chandler’s like our Arturo Gatti, man. Every time that guy goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight. You know it’s going to be a war, and you don’t know whether he’s going to win or lose.”
Gatti was one of the most beloved boxers of the early 2000s. He’s best remembered for his trilogy with fellow fan favorite Mickey Ward. Their 2002 bout was named Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year. A two-division champion, Gatti died in 2009 at age 37.