Best known for his action-packed fighting style, Mike Chandler is one of UFC’s most explosive lightweights. Despite Chandler suffering a first-round TKO loss to Mauricio Ruffy on June 14, 2026, at the UFC Freedom 250, his spirit remains unwavering.  The former Bellator champion continues to power through intense strength training sessions as he gears up for the next challenge.

Chandler shared an Instagram video of his intense gym training session on July 13, 2026, inspiring fans worldwide.

The Instagram post, captioned “Never settle. Walk on. See you at the top!” reflects his iron-willed mindset.

In the Instagram video, Chandler can be seen performing a series of intense workouts, including heavy footwork drills, kettlebell swings, bench presses, single-arm kettlebell step-ups, hex-bar deadlifts, clapping push-ups, and suspension rows.

These exercises help him in explosive movements during his UFC fights.

Although Chandler does not officially have any fights booked as of now, his mission to continue sharpening every aspect of his game goes on. His grueling strength-training workout is just a small example of the intense dedication and passion he brings to his love of the sport.

Of course, Chandler’s workouts are just a part of the equation. His powerful physique and battle-tested moves are fueled by a clean, performance-focused diet.

The fuel behind the grind: Chandler's strict diet regimen

Chandler follows a very strict, disciplined diet designed to fuel performance without placing him over the UFC lightweight limit. His fight camp diet typically includes whole foods, lean protein, and consistent meal timings.

As per Men’s Health, Chandler’s meal plans include vegetables in every meal. This includes roasted beets, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, and carrots. Chandler often boasts of his two packed fridges at home that stay fully stocked at all times.

“I always have meat and vegetables in my fridge,” he said.

His pre-fight nutrition might be straightforward, but it isn’t easy to follow. He recalled his pre-fight nutrition plans, admitting that they are the toughest diets he has ever tried.

His pre-fight meal typically consists of gluten-free pasta, high-fat foods, and a high-protein diet with sweet potato or rice.

He eats the same thing consistently in order to avoid upsetting his stomach.

Chandler admitted that he doesn’t like to make a big deal out of breakfast, mostly keeping it simple. His favorite breakfast might be simple scrambled eggs, vegetables, and bacon with a slightly unconventional coconut sriracha concoction that he calls “Ninja Squirrel” sauce.

His go-to protein shake typically consists of frozen fruits, spirulina, crushed nuts, and a chocolate powder base. However, when it’s finally time for him to indulge in a much-awaited cheat meal, he runs straight for the pizza.

Chandler’s second fridge, however, doesn’t have any food but is stocked with beverages. From Monster Energy drinks to carbonated water and kombucha, Chandler’s two massive fridges are quite a sight.

Would you ever consider having two separate, fully stocked fridges like Chandler?

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Written by

Avantika Das