Michael Chandler vows to snatch Ruffy's soul at UFC Freedom 250

Michael Chandler enters his clash with Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 as the biggest betting underdog on the card, but the former Bellator champion says stylistic differences will decide the fight once things turn ugly.

Chandler meets the Brazilian knockout artist this Sunday at the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C., as part of a historic card celebrating America's 250th anniversary, per MMA Mania. The 40-year-old lightweight has dropped three straight and sits 2-5 in the octagon, making this bout less about entertainment and more about survival.

Chandler sees different DNA between himself and Ruffy

Speaking at media day, Chandler drew a sharp line between his grinder background and Ruffy's highlight-reel style. "I see him as a guy who probably grew up watching mixed martial arts on TV and watching highlights on YouTube, and he wanted to be a certain type of fighter," Chandler said. "I'm a walk-on at the University of Missouri. I'm a wrestler. I'm a nonstop, in-your-face grinder type of guy."

Chandler added that when the octagon heats up and stamina drains, his wrestling foundation will surface. "I'm a hammer that is looking for a nail, and he looks like he's playing a video game out there," he said. "So when the waters get deep, the going gets tough, and the oxygen gets sucked out of the Octagon — when the big shot lands and I just shake it off and look you straight in the eyes, and I'm coming to snatch your soul, where is he going to be?"

The former title challenger acknowledged this fight carries personal stakes beyond crowd approval. "This one is for me," Chandler said. "It is not about proving myself, not about making people cheer or putting smiles on the UFC brass' faces. This is about me getting my hand raised on America's 250th birthday."

UFC Freedom 250 airs Sunday from the White House grounds with Chandler and Ruffy expected to walk around 8 p.m. ET.

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• MMA Mania — Michael Chandler vows to ‘snatch the soul’ of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freeom 250 – ‘This one is for me’