Michael Chandler addresses cheating accusations ahead of UFC 314 fight

UFC lightweight dismisses claims of foul play as he prepares to face Paddy Pimblett.

Michael Chandler appears on stage during the UFC 314 press conference at Michelob ULTRA Arena on March 7, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Michael Chandler addresses cheating accusations in the lead-up to his highly anticipated matchup with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. The seasoned American lightweight is under scrutiny again, but he remains steadfast in his stance: he’s never cheated in the octagon.

"I'm a guy who tries to do things right, tries to treat people right, does things with honor and respect. So, the narrative of cheating is hard to swallow," Chandler said in an interview with MMA Fighting, as reported from Jakarta on Monday.

Ahead of the Pimblett showdown, the spotlight has returned to the accusations that have followed Chandler from previous bouts. Over the past few years, a number of former opponents—including some of the UFC's most vocal figures—have accused him of using illegal tactics during fights. Despite this, Chandler insists that his integrity remains intact, both as a competitor and as a man.

The origins of the accusations

This isn’t the first time Chandler has faced such allegations. After their brutal war inside the octagon, Justin Gaethje accused Chandler of engaging in multiple infractions that should have resulted in a point deduction. From Gaethje’s perspective, “almost everything” Chandler did outside the rules could have changed the outcome of their fight.

Similarly, Dustin Poirier, another former opponent, has been especially vocal about his experience. During their 2022 fight, Poirier accused Chandler of deliberately putting his fingers in his mouth—an act that Poirier said was clearly illegal and potentially dangerous.

But Chandler is unfazed. While he acknowledges that fights are often chaotic and involve unintentional contact, he refuses to accept the label of a cheater. He explains that much of what happens during a UFC match is instinctive and reactive. 

The most recent controversy came during Chandler’s bout with Charles Oliveira in November 2024. Chandler was accused of landing several punches to the back of Oliveira’s head—an action that’s clearly prohibited in the UFC ruleset.

However, Chandler insists that context matters. According to him, during that exchange, Oliveira had pushed his chin deep into Chandler’s eye socket. It was an illegal move from Oliveira’s side, he argued, and one that affected his ability to see.

"I would never say that Charles Oliveira was dirty, but that moment felt dangerous," Chandler explained. "I really thought I might go blind. You react when you feel pain like that."

What seems to bother Chandler the most isn’t just the allegations themselves—but how they’ve shaped public perception of who he is as a fighter. Michael Chandler addresses cheating accusations not only to clear his name but also to challenge what he views as an unfair narrative.

"I mean, narrative is hard. People don't really know me. Unless you're in my inner circle, you don't know who I really am outside of the camera," he said.

He believes that his image has been unfairly split between what people see on television and what they assume happens behind the scenes. Chandler feels that many fans are quick to judge, especially when high-stakes fights stir emotions and controversies.

“There’s this sneaky suspicion that I’m this nice guy in front of the camera and someone totally different when the lights are off,” Chandler said. “That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Fight week mindset

Despite the background noise, Chandler is laser-focused on UFC 314. He’s preparing to face Paddy Pimblett, one of the UFC’s rising stars and a fighter known as much for his charisma as for his striking skills.

“I don’t take anyone lightly,” Chandler said. “Paddy’s a talented guy. He’s hungry, and I expect a war.”

Still, he believes his experience will give him an edge. With years in both Bellator and UFC under his belt, Chandler has faced some of the toughest competitors in the lightweight division. He’s seen it all—from hostile crowds to brutal injuries—and he’s ready for whatever Pimblett brings to the table.

One of the more thoughtful points Chandler raised in the interview was about the nature of fighting itself. In his view, there’s a fine line between strategy and rule-breaking—especially in a sport as raw and physical as MMA.

“Are you going to reach out and grab someone’s neck? Are you going to accidentally put your fingers near their gloves or mouth? Yeah, those things happen in a fight,” he said. “But there’s a difference between that and cheating.”

He insists that many of these moments are misunderstood or blown out of proportion. Fighters are often moving at breakneck speed. In such a fast-paced, high-stress environment, split-second decisions can easily be misread by both viewers and referees.

Chandler says the important thing is intent—and he maintains that his has always been honorable.

A career built on grit

As Michael Chandler addresses cheating accusations, he also takes the opportunity to reflect on what got him to this point. His career spans over a decade, filled with championship wins, devastating losses, and dramatic comebacks.

He rose to prominence in Bellator, where he became one of the organization’s most successful and respected champions. Since transitioning to the UFC, Chandler has continued to take on top-tier opponents, never backing down from a challenge.

“I’ve fought the best. Win or lose, I’ve always brought everything I had to that cage,” he said.

The UFC 314 fight card is already drawing global attention, and the Chandler vs. Pimblett matchup is one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the night. For Chandler, it’s not just another fight—it’s a chance to silence critics, prove his worth, and possibly move closer to another title shot.

Whether or not the accusations continue, one thing is certain: Michael Chandler addresses cheating accusations head-on, refusing to let them define his legacy.

“If people want to judge me, that’s fine,” Chandler said. “But I know who I am. I know the work I put in. And when that cage door closes, I’ll be ready—just like I always am.”