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

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

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

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At the UFC Casa Branca media day , Chandler, confident in his MMA experience, explosiveness, grit, and wrestling skills, guaranteed he would turn his career around. It's true that the 40-year-old hometown fighter, considered old enough to compete, and with three consecutive losses, is experiencing the worst moment of his career. However, the veteran, who last fought in April 2025, appears reinvigorated and sees Ruffy as the ideal opponent to demonstrate 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.

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“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

UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Ilia Topuria defends her lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Justin Gaethje , the interim champion.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Brazil will be heavily represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Ciryl Gane.

Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair will face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.