MMA vet and UFC staple Michael Chandler reveals his unique philosophy on aging

Michael Chandler has put forth a message that many fans have deemed truly optimistic and thought-provoking.

The 40-year-old touched upon the topic of aging, outlining his unique philosophy regarding how one doesn't really age. 

MMA veteran Michael Chandler's philosophy of aging and hard work

Speaking at a recent event of the U.S.-based MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Action organization, Michael Chandler indicated that fighting the adverse effects of aging is most definitely possible. 

He implied that people don't really age, but rather allow themselves to deteriorate with laziness. Highlighting his philosophy on aging and hard work, Chandler stated:

"I like to say -- we don't get old. We get lazy. We get busy. And I can only say that because I have three children, a wife, multiple businesses. The 40-year-old me is much busier than I was when I was 22 years old and I started this mixed martial arts journey." 

He added, "But I don't think we get old. I think we get lazy, and we get busy. So I am just currently trying to continue to train the exact same way that I always have. From when I was 22 years old, or when I was 14 years old when I started amateur wrestling -- focusing on explosiveness. Because if you don't use it, you lose it." 

Watch Michael Chandler discuss his philosophy on aging below: 

UFC superstar Michael Chandler says people don’t get old, they get busy and stop prioritizing their health. “I like to say we don’t get old, we get lazy and we get busy.” “The 40-year-old me is much busier than I was when I was 22 years old and I started this mixed martial arts journey.” “But I don’t think we get old. I think we get lazy and we get busy.” “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” @MikeChandlerMMA

— MAHA Action (@MAHA_Action) October 2, 2026

Michael Chandler's imminent return to the UFC's famed Octagon

Michael Chandler is revered for his background as an amateur wrestler, an NCAA Division I All-American. The Missouri Tigers representative from the University of Missouri transitioned to the sport of MMA in his youth and went from strength to strength. 

Chandler earned the honor of being an icon in the Bellator MMA organization for several years and is a former three-time Bellator MMA lightweight champion. He's also made a mark on the UFC, notably challenging for the UFC lightweight championship back in 2021. 

Nevertheless, the American combatant has lately faced a few setbacks inside the Octagon. He finds himself on a four-fight losing streak. "Iron" was submitted in a back-and-forth fight with Dustin Poirier back in 2022. His next fight was a rematch with Charles Oliveira in 2024, which he lost by way of unanimous decision. 

The fan-favorite fighter followed it up with a TKO defeat at the hands of England's Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett last year. Chandler's next, and latest, MMA matchup ended in a TKO loss against Brazil's Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 in June of this year.

Intriguingly, the veteran fighter's aforementioned losses came at lightweight, and he had -- after the Ruffy fight -- signaled that he could move up to the welterweight division. The UFC has yet to officially announce Chandler's comeback date and opponent.