Published 01/31/2023, 12:45 PM EST
Fighters moving from Bellator to UFC are not as common as the other way around. While there have been a few prominent names that have moved from the Scott Coker-led promotion to the UFC, one name that has been significantly more prominent than the others is Michael Chandler. The 36-year-old former Bellator champ has made quite a name for himself owing to some thrilling performances inside the octagon. Now ranked number 5 in the lightweight division, Chandler recently opened up on the UFC business model. In an appearance on Michael Bisping’s podcast, he made a comparison between UFC and his former company, revealing a few surprising facts for the fans. Chandler had high praise for the UFC, even comparing it to a Fortune 500 company in the way it functioned.
Michael Chandler on the UFC business model and how it is different from Bellator
The 35-year-old jump shipped to the UFC in September 2020 after spending almost a decade in Bellator. Naturally, he very clearly understands the difference between the two promotions. On a question raised by Bisping on what difference Chandler experienced fighting for the two companies, the Lightweight responded: “The level of recognition is just absolutely astronomical compared to Bellator.” The statement couldn’t have been better put as Chandler has become quite a popular fighter since his first-round KO of Dan Hooker at UFC 257. His fight style has also no doubt contributed to his stardom as a fighter.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Chandler noted in his comparisons that the most striking feature of the UFC is the way it is run.
“From a business side of thing or an organization side of things. I mean the UFC is run like a true Sports organization; Fortune 500 company. Not a skeleton crew where one guy is handling Medicals and travel and he’s fighter operations,” claimed Chandler.
Following that, the 35-year-old made a surprising statement that pretty much revealed the huge gap between UFC and Bellator.
“There’s a travel department that’s bigger than the entire Bellator staff in the US. PR Department that’s bigger than the entire Bellator staff.” Chandler then continued, stating that the difference was just in the way the business was running. “That’s nothing against them. It’s just that’s the way that they run their business. For me, it was time to go test the waters. And it’s worked out pretty darn well so far you know.” expressed the former Bellator champ.
Chandler recalls his days in Bellator FC
While he continued pointing out how huge the UFC has been for his popularity, Chandler recalled his post-fight interviews at Bellator. He used his experience to argue how the UFC was the leading show in the business.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“I’d show up to my fight and they’re sending like the second string and third string media people from MMA junkie. I’m like, oh where’s Ariel? Hey where’s this guy and where’s ‘oh they’re at the UFC event you know …while there’s you know someone else at the Bellator fights and these were bigger fights.” exclaimed Chandler.
Quite a revelation from Chandler, revealing the huge monopoly UFC has in the world of combat sports.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Five Times Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo Showed They Are Best Friends
Michael Chandler, just like in the UFC, was also quite a popular figure back in Bellator. As a former champion, it must have been disheartening not to get the recognition he deserved. Fortunately, Dana White‘s signing of Chandler meant that fighters as well as fans got the best deal possible. With the fights that he has put up, it’s no surprise Chandler is receiving the appreciation he so long desired.
Ex-Champ Michael Chandler Reveals Real Difference Maker Between Bellator & UFC: “There’s a Travel Department That’s Bigger Than the Entire Bellator”
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer