Tom Aspinall enjoys watching Michael Chandler fight, but he can’t imagine how his corner feels.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) turns things back with Charles Oliveira (34-10 MMA, 22-10 UFC) at UFC 309 on Saturday (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Hulu/FX, ESPN+) main event At Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chandler earned four payouts in five octagon matches, impressing fans with stunning knockouts and barn burners. With a decorated collegiate wrestling background and dynamite in his hands, Chandler is an all-around threat, but Aspinall believes the former Bellator champion doesn’t always rely on the necessary skill set when he competes.
“I think Mike Chandler, in particular, has to be one of the most frustrating people to ever coach,” Aspinall told TNT Sports. “Tactics when he fights are completely out the window, and he just does it. He’s basically getting into a street fight with a pair of gloves on. He’s great to watch.”
However, Aspinall always appreciates the entertainment Chandler provides.
“He fights with aggression and really pure athleticism,” Aspinall said. “Obviously he’s very technical, but he chose not to use that in some way. For me, sometimes I like technique. I like fighting prowess. But sometimes, like everyone else, I like to watch a good clip. So this guy entertains every time.”
Chandler lost his first bout against Oliveira by knockout in their vacant lightweight title fight in May 2021. Chandler was able to drop Oliveira in the first round, which also included submission threats from both sides. However, Oliveira rallied to knock Chandler out in the opening seconds of the second round.
Aspinall expects the rematch to be equally fierce.
“Put those two guys in, lock the octagon doors, ring the bell, and it’s going to be chaos,” Aspinall said. “I’m looking forward to being cageside for it.”
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