Digital Social Hour Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Why This UFC Star REGRETS His Past Mental Approach to Fighting | Michael Chandler DSH #945
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Michael Chandler, UFC Fighter

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with renowned UFC fighter Michael Chandler. The conversation delves into Chandler’s personal and professional journey, his mental strategies in the ring, challenges faced during his transition from Bellator to the UFC, and his insights on mental health and personal growth. Chandler offers a candid look into the life of a high-achieving athlete, providing valuable lessons for listeners aspiring to excel in their own fields.

Personal Life and Move to Nashville

Timestamps: [02:00] – [03:35]

Michael Chandler begins by discussing his recent move to Nashville, highlighting the city’s appeal for raising a family. He emphasizes the importance of family in his life, mentioning, “I have two sons and the people are just top notch” ([02:05]). Chandler explains that the decision to move from San Diego was influenced by both personal and professional reasons, including his training team in Florida and the welcoming atmosphere of Tennessee. He praises Nashville’s blend of Southern hospitality and vibrant community, making it an ideal environment for both personal growth and professional endeavors.

Training and Longevity in UFC

Timestamps: [03:04] – [04:26]

Chandler discusses his rigorous training regimen and the importance of maintaining peak physical condition. He attributes his longevity in the sport to his relentless dedication, stating, “I’m 100% go all the time, and I think that's why I've had such longevity in the sport” ([03:35]). At 38 years old, Chandler remains in excellent shape, avoiding the common pitfalls of getting out of shape during off-seasons. He emphasizes the necessity of consistent training and avoiding the cycle of losing shape and struggling to regain fitness, which often shortens athletes’ careers.

Future Fights and Goals

Timestamps: [04:26] – [07:45]

Chandler shares his aspirations to win the UFC gold and become the consensus number one fighter in the world. He reflects on a planned fight with Conor McGregor that was canceled, which led him to reassess his training and reignite his passion for the sport. Chandler remains optimistic about future opportunities, mentioning, “I'll make our decision and either way, I believe I win gold by 2025” ([09:15]). He discusses the potential reinvigoration of the McGregor fight and his readiness to pivot towards other top contenders if necessary, maintaining his focus on achieving the ultimate goal of a world title.

Fight Strategies and Mindset

Timestamps: [09:20] – [12:20]

Chandler delves into his fight philosophy, advocating for focusing on personal strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses. He explains, “I've always focused so much more on my strengths, what I'm good at” ([09:26]). Chandler believes that by honing his strengths, he naturally mitigates potential weaknesses without becoming overly self-critical. This approach, he argues, prevents the formation of self-fulfilling prophecies where focusing on weaknesses could lead to their manifestation in fights.

Transition from Bellator to UFC

Timestamps: [11:39] – [14:00]

Michael Chandler recounts his transition from Bellator to the UFC, highlighting the challenges and mindset shifts required. He notes that while the physical transition was manageable, the mental aspect was daunting. “Mentally, it was a scary, scary thing” ([12:21]). Chandler discusses his decision to join the UFC, emphasizing his desire to fight the toughest competitors and prove himself on the biggest platform. This move involved leaving a secure position in Bellator, which required significant faith in his abilities and the timing of the opportunity. Chandler’s strategy involved engaging in high-stakes fights, each contributing to his growth and visibility within the UFC.

Mindset and Mental Health Journey

Timestamps: [37:45] – [43:36]

A pivotal part of the conversation centers on Chandler’s mental health and mindset evolution. He opens up about a challenging period where he faced consecutive losses, leading to self-sabotage and a detrimental mental state. “I hid from everybody... I started looking at the world differently” ([38:19]). Through this adversity, Chandler embarked on a mental health journey, focusing on mindset training to rebuild his confidence and resilience. He underscores the significance of mental fortitude in combat sports, stating, “You are what you are and where you are because of what has gone inside of your ears, in between your ears” ([38:19]). Chandler advocates for acknowledging and owning losses as a way to move forward and prevent them from defining one’s self-worth or career trajectory.

Personal Background and Family

Timestamps: [26:25] – [37:45]

Chandler shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing, highlighting the influence of his hardworking parents and the values instilled in him. He reflects on his early struggles with wrestling and his eventual dedication to hand-to-hand combat. “I'm just a guy who likes to try to do things right” ([26:30]). His parents’ relentless work ethic and perseverance deeply impacted his own approach to life and sports. Chandler stresses the importance of supporting his children’s interests without imposing his own desires, aiming to foster their independence and self-esteem. He also discusses the challenges of parenting as a public figure, ensuring his children understand that he is fallible and actively models humility and continuous self-improvement.

Insights on Fighter Mindset and Performance

Timestamps: [10:51] – [26:25]

Chandler offers valuable insights into the mindset required for success in the UFC. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal excellence rather than being consumed by opponents' strengths. His approach involves leveraging his inherent skills and continuously improving without being hindered by self-doubt or external pressures. Chandler recounts his admiration for fighters like Justin Gaethje and Frankie Edgar, highlighting how intense and high-stakes fights can bring out the best in a fighter. He discusses the physical and mental demands of fighting, including handling pain and maintaining focus in hostile environments like Madison Square Garden.

Closing Remarks

Timestamps: [45:48] – [46:38]

In his closing remarks, Chandler expresses gratitude for the platform provided by the podcast and shares an inspirational message about personal growth and integrity. “If you keep on going, you do the right thing, and you operate with integrity, anything is possible” ([46:11]). He underscores the importance of perseverance, continuous self-improvement, and maintaining personal values amidst the pressures of professional sports. Chandler’s journey exemplifies the balance between physical prowess and mental resilience, offering listeners a profound example of overcoming adversity and striving for excellence.

Notable Quotes

• On Longevity in Sport: “I'm 100% go all the time, and I think that's why I've had such longevity in the sport.” ([03:35])

• On Focusing on Strengths: “I've always focused so much more on my strengths, what I'm good at.” ([09:26])

• On Mental Health: “You are what you are and where you are because of what has gone inside of your ears, in between your ears.” ([38:19])

• On Personal Growth: “If you keep on going, you do the right thing, and you operate with integrity, anything is possible.” ([46:11])

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep dive into Michael Chandler’s multifaceted life as a UFC fighter, father, and individual committed to personal growth. Through honest reflections on his challenges and triumphs, Chandler provides listeners with actionable insights on maintaining mental and physical health, the importance of focusing on strengths, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Sean Kelly’s engaging interview style allows Chandler’s inspiring story to resonate, making this episode a valuable listen for anyone seeking motivation and wisdom in their personal or professional endeavors.