Confident, Chandler questions Mauricio Ruffy's fighting spirit and promises to 'steal souls' at UFC Casa Branca.

Chandler cheers during training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/mikechandlermma

Former Bellator lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Michael chandler are you feeling at home in UFC White HouseSo much so that the American ignores his career slump and exudes confidence to face the challenge. Mauricio Ruffy this Sunday (14), in Washington (USA). Currently, the Brazilian is seen by many as a real threat to the top of the category and is classified by bookmakers as a strong favorite to win, but 'Iron' has trump cards to surprise.

On the 'media day' of UFC White HouseChandler, relying on his MMA experience, explosiveness, grit, and wrestling skills, guarantees he will turn his career around. It's true that the hometown fighter, at 40 years old—that is, advanced age to compete—and with three consecutive losses, is experiencing the worst moment of his career. However, the veteran, who last fought in April 2025, seems reinvigorated and sees Ruffy as the ideal opponent to prove his worth.

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Ranked tenth in the division, the Brazilian is a natural knockout artist and usually finishes his fights quickly. Precisely for this reason, Chandler doesn't seem intimidated, much less impressed, and asserts that he will 'suffocate' his opponent with his pressure, given that the latter is not used to fighting in the octagon.

“I see him as a guy who probably grew up watching MMA on TV, seeing highlights on YouTube, and wanted to have a certain style and be a certain type of fighter. I joined the University of Missouri team, I'm a wrestler, a tireless guy who's constantly attacking his opponent. I've earned every achievement and fought for every accomplishment I've had in the sport. And that's not to diminish his work,” said the UFC showman.

“I just think we have different styles. I’m like a hammer looking for a nail, and he seems to be playing a video game inside. So, when things get tough, when the situation gets difficult, when the things you thought would work don’t, I look him straight in the eyes and steal his soul, where will he be then? I think we’ve seen this before.”

“But I bring a different kind of ferocity, a different rhythm, and a different kind of chaos that surprises a lot of people. If you look at my history, check my resume, you'll see that I've only fought the best of the best in the UFC. Some of these guys were champions, interim champions, fought for belts, and managed to endure a lot. So, we'll see how Ruffy fares. Does he sink or swim?” he concluded.

UFC White House

O UFC White House, also called UFC Freedom 250The concert will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington DC. Unlike usual, the show will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main fight UFC White House, Ilia Topuria defends the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) against Justin gaethje, owner of the interim title.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatán will be highlighted in UFC White HousePhoto: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Brazil will be heavily represented at UFC White HouseIn the co-main fight of the attraction, Alex Poatán He attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is seeking the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against... Cyryl Gane.

In addition to Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy e Diego lopes These are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair faces Michael chandler e Steve Garciarespectively.

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Ilia Topuria x Justin gaethje – Fight for the belt

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Alex Poatán x Cyryl Gane – Fight for the interim belt

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley x Aiemann Zahabi

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Josh Hokit x Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Mauricio Ruffy x Michael chandler

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg.): BoNickal x Kyle Daukaus

Feather weight (up to 65,7 kg.): Diego lopes x Steve Garcia