"250 bugs stuck to me after sprints," fighter quips ahead of UFC Freedom 250 bout against Mauricio Ruffy

'Iron' Michael Chandler [Getty Images]
'Iron' Michael Chandler [Getty Images]

"Iron" Michael Chandler, 39, the American fighter known for his explosive style and showmanship, has wrapped up acclimatization training ahead of what he calls the biggest event of his career — a UFC bout at the White House.

Chandler is set to face rising contender Mauricio Ruffy, 29, of Brazil at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House. Depending on the outcome, the fight could be the last of his career.

One of the more unusual talking points surrounding the event has been insects. The card takes place at night on the South Lawn — an outdoor grass area on the White House grounds — and swarms of midges, mayflies and other flying bugs are expected to flood the arena lights. UFC President Dana White has also spoken up about the issue, saying recently that bugs will be flying into fighters' mouths and that the promotion is taking steps to prepare.

Chandler took the situation in stride. In a training video posted recently, he showed himself doing outdoor sprints in Washington, D.C. After finishing his run, he stood in front of the camera with midges covering his chest and face, declared he was "ready for the bugs," then plucked one off his nose and popped it into his mouth.

"Dana, you said there'd be bugs — looks like we need to call an exterminator out here," he said. "I came to get used to the heat, but I got used to the bugs too. After that run, there were 250 of them stuck to my body."

Chandler made his name as a highlight-reel fighter after winning the Bellator title before crossing over to the UFC, but his record in the promotion has been disappointing. Since defeating Dan Hooker in his UFC debut in 2021, he has won only one more fight — against Tony Ferguson — going 5-2 overall in seven UFC outings with five losses. His opponent Ruffy presents a steep challenge: the Brazilian carries a 13-2 record and a knockout rate of 92 percent, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.

With age-related decline factored in, another loss — this time to Ruffy — would make it difficult for Chandler to remain a credible title contender. Analysts say a defeat would likely prompt him to consider retirement.


yjc@heraldcorp.com