Chandler Ends Winless Streak vs. Mendes at RAF 3

Michael Chandler ended a winless streak spanning more than three years by defeating fellow UFC veteran Chad Mendes in the main event of Real American Freestyle 3 on Saturday night at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

The 39-year-old lightweight contender, a former three-time Bellator champion with a wrestling background from the University of Missouri, controlled the freestyle grappling match against Mendes, a two-time NCAA All-American from Cal Poly. Chandler scored early with a reversal and a passivity point, building a 3-0 lead before adding another via pushout for a 4-1 decision victory. The bout featured pauses for an eye poke and head butts, leaving Mendes with noticeable swelling around his eye, but Chandler maintained dominance throughout.

Fresh off back-to-back UFC losses to Charles Oliveira in 2024 and Paddy Pimblett earlier this year, Chandler's last professional win came in May 2022, when he knocked out Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. His performance in the unscripted wrestling league highlighted his roots in the sport, where he blended power and speed to overcome Mendes' more decorated collegiate resume.

In a post-match interview, Chandler issued a challenge to Olympic gold...