While Michael Chandler is known for his fan-friendly style, Henri Hooft hopes his student will fight more wisely later tonight, for their sake.
'Iron' will face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in the historic Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler plans to mix things up against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309
With formidable wrestling skills and explosive power, Michael Chandler is one of the most talented athletes in the lightweight division.
While on paper his gifts should give him an easy path to victory against just about anyone, the American is often guilty of playing to the crowd, waging wars instead of competing in the way that offers the best chance of winning. to secure victory.
This time, however, with redemption against Charles Oliveira on his mind, things could turn out a little differently.
His coach, who often watches his protégé with a racing heart, has insisted he has worked tirelessly to ensure the former Bellator champion follows the game plan to the letter.
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In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Henri Hooft said: “Michael is ready to fight. People know that when Michael Chandler fights, something is going to happen. I know people say, 'You need to work more on his game plans.' As a trainer you naturally want results. Wins are the most important thing.
“But the fans sometimes let Michael fight too much the way they want him to fight, like crazy. We did things a little differently this fight camp. Hopefully we have him in the right place, where he will remain a bit calmer.
“But we never know, which is why everyone will tune in and pay the big bucks to see these guys. Same goes for Mickey Gall, he's coming to fight too. So we have two guys who will show our spirit.
“We talk about Islam Makhachaev; he is the big fight. First we have to beat Oliveria, and I have the best front row seat. Hopefully Michael doesn't give me too many heart attacks.”
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Chandler is blessed with the best of the best when it comes to training, honing his craft at the legendary Kill Cliff alongside the likes of Gilbert Burns and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Recently, the gym teamed up with The Liver King to put 22 fighters through a huge challenge.
As a testament to their team spirit, the participants had to walk a mile, carrying two 30kg kettlebells, 25kg in a backpack, 10kg ankle weights and 120kg clipped to a sled.
The athletes, including Mickey Gall, did their level best to complete the mighty task and earn a $100,000 donation for their gym.
Hooft enthuses: “Mickey has taken up the challenge and he is fighting at UFC 309. That is so motivating. He said yes to the challenge, he gave his word. A lot of these guys have fights coming up. Even those fighting in Las Vegas at UFC 310 rose to the challenge.
“There are people who fight at 135 pounds and have completed the 350-pound challenge. There was 140 pounds in the hands alone, and they completed the challenge in two and a half or three hours. That says something; it's special.”
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