Mike Chandler was a decorated high school and collegiate athlete before he began his MMA career. Mike was a walk-on at the University of Missouri's wrestling team and had a successful collegiate career not only in wrestling, but academics as well. He was highly decorate throughout his time wrestling for the University of Missouri, qualifying four times for the NCAA tournament and earning runner up All American honors twice. He compiled an overall record of 100-40 in his career. While in college, Chandler earned a degree in Personal Finance Management Services. Shortly after graduation Mike started his MMA training.

Chandler's training began at Xtreme Couture and not too long afterwards, he opted to skip an amateur career and went pro. He won his debut at First Blood in terrific fashion, earning a first round KO over Kyle Swadley.  There was no time for Mike in the smaller shows as he was then immediately noticed and signed by Strikeforce and soon after. Mike went undefeated in Strikeforce, finishing both his opponents inside of two rounds. His success in Strikeforce caused him to be noticed by Bellator FC.

Mike's career in BFC has been nothing short of elite success. He made the decision to go down a weight class to LW after going 2-0 and earned the right to participate in the Bellator Season 4 LW tournament. Mike won the 8-man tournament and the right to face long-time champion Eddie Alvarez, having defeating the likes of of Marcin Held. Lloyd Woodard and Patricky "Pitbull" Freire.

Chandler subsequently defeated long time reigning champ Eddie Alvarez in what was considered Fight-of-the-Year to many.  The back and forth fight saw Mike get the best of Alvarez in the 4th stanza via RNC after hurting Alvarez on the feet. Though Mike has yet to defend his title, he is 1-0 after obtaining the title in what was called a "super fight" with Akihiro Gono.

He would defend his title for the first time against Season Six tournament winner, Rick Hawn at Bellator 85. Chandler made his first successful title defense against Hawn; via 2nd round submission by way of a rear naked choke. He would follow that up with a first round TKO finish over David Rickels at Bellator 97. Chandler is now scheduled to face Eddie Alavarez in a rematch on Bellator's first pay per view that was going to be headlined by Tito Ortiz vs. Rampage Jackson however due to an Ortiz injury Chandler vs. Alvarez was moved to the main event. In another very great fight that was very close Chandler would lose his belt to Alvarez by a Split Decision. They are set to finish the trilogy when the two square off at Bellator 120.

Than, Michael Chandler receives an offer from UFC. He made his UFC debut on 23 January 2021 at the UFC 257 Comain event against No.6 lightweight Dan Hooker. As a result, Chandler successfully completed his debut with a first round TKO victory.

On 15 May 2021, he played Charles Oliveira for the title at the UFC 262 main event. Chandler was beaten and ground & pounded by Oliveira's left counter and suffered a second round TKO defeat.