"What a blessing" - Fans react as Michael Chandler announces new addition to the family

Michael Chandler made his return to the octagon in November after two years of inactivity, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. While it is unclear when the No. 7-ranked lightweight will compete next, his family is set to welcome another addition in March 2025.

'Iron's' wife, Brie Chandler, took to Instagram on Christmas Day to share the news. She posted several photos of the family's Christmas Day, including two featuring the group on a magazine cover with a gender reveal. The caption read:

"Hap & Ace are very excited about their baby sister - coming March 2025 . We are thankful for her little life and grateful to our sweet gestational carrier who has blessed us with such a selfless gift by bringing our daughter into this world. Wishing you a Merry Christmas & a blessed 2025!"

Check out Brie and Michael Chandler's Instagram post below:

Fans shared their reaction to the news, with @ng94xo sharing her excitement:

"SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! What a blessing 🤍"

@shelleynaydyhor was thrilled with the announcement:

"This is amazing news!!! I know you have prayed for this blessing and I am so very happy for your family 💝"

UFC commentator Jon Anik congratulated the family, saying:

"Congratulations, all! ❤️ 🎄"

@moda_st.patrick praised God for the blessing:

"OMG ❤️. Congratulations 🎊. We can't all wait 🔥. God is the GREATEST 🙏🏾"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Michael Chandler defends himself from dirty fighter claims following UFC 309

Michael Chandler faced plenty of criticism following his UFC 309 loss to Charles Oliveira, with many labeling him as a dirty fighter. 'Iron' fired back at those claims during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show last month.

The No. 7-ranked lightweight was asked why he believes he did nothing wrong during the bout, responding:

"The unified rule of mixed martial arts say that there is a line drawn from the crown of the head down to the neck, one inch variance on either side so you're talking about a two-inch area on the back of someone's head that is considered the back of the head... Almost all of them, or at least where I was aiming, all of them, my hand, my fist was catching the ear. So, if you're catching the ear, that is not the back of the head."

Check out Michael Chandler's full comments on criticism following UFC 309 below:

Chandler added that the rulebook defines the back of the head as a two-inch strip, noting that the referee did not penalize, or even warn, him due to the strikes. He called out fans and the commentary crew for not understanding what the rules define as the back of the head.