Michael Chandler’s Children: A Father’s Heart Beyond the Octagon

Michael Chandler, the UFC lightweight star known as "Iron" for his relentless fighting style, carries an equally fierce devotion to his family. At 39, the former three-time Bellator champion and fan-favorite brawler has built a life centered on fatherhood, alongside his wife, Brie Willett Chandler. As of September 2025, the couple are proud parents to three children: two adopted sons, Hap and Ace, and a daughter, Dru Miller Chandler, born via surrogacy. Chandler’s journey as a father—marked by adoption, faith, and balancing the demands of professional MMA—offers a glimpse into the heart of a man whose legacy extends far beyond his 23-10 fight record. This article explores Chandler’s role as a dad, the stories of his children, and how family fuels his iron-willed spirit.

The Chandler Family: A Foundation of Faith and Love

Meeting Brie and Building a Family

Michael Chandler met Brie Willett in 2013 through mutual friends in the MMA community, and their shared Christian faith quickly bonded them. Married in 2015, the couple faced fertility challenges early on, a deeply personal struggle they’ve openly discussed. Rather than letting it define them, they embraced adoption as a calling, a decision that shaped their family’s unique journey. Chandler, who grew up in a tight-knit Missouri family as the second of four siblings, brought that same warmth to fatherhood, prioritizing his kids despite grueling UFC training camps.

Adoption: A Life-Changing Choice

The Chandlers’ path to parenthood began with adoption, a choice rooted in their values and resilience. Michael has called fatherhood his greatest achievement, surpassing even his Bellator titles or UFC knockouts. Their commitment to adoption reflects a broader mission to provide love and stability, mirroring Chandler’s "Walk On" philosophy of overcoming obstacles.

Meet the Chandler Kids

Hap Chandler: The First Light

Hap Chandler, born around 2017, was the couple’s first adopted son. Now approximately 8 years old, Hap’s arrival marked a transformative moment for Michael and Brie. Adopted as an infant, Hap’s early years coincided with Chandler’s final Bellator title defenses and his 2020 UFC signing. Despite the chaos of fight camps, Chandler prioritized bonding with Hap, often sharing moments like teaching him to wrestle or reading bedtime stories. Hap’s name, inspired by joy and fortune, reflects the couple’s gratitude for their first child. Michael has noted Hap’s energetic personality, hinting at a future athlete, though he emphasizes letting his son carve his own path.

Ace Chandler: Expanding the Legacy

In 2022, the Chandlers welcomed their second adopted son, Ace, born around that year and now roughly 3 years old. Ace’s adoption came during a high point in Chandler’s UFC career, fresh off his iconic 2021 Fight of the Year against Justin Gaethje and his 2022 knockout of Tony Ferguson. The timing wasn’t easy—Chandler was preparing for Dustin Poirier at UFC 281—but he and Brie leaned on their faith to navigate the challenges. Ace, described as curious and playful, has already become a fixture in Chandler’s social media, often seen cheering at fights or mimicking his dad’s training moves. The name Ace, symbolizing excellence, aligns with Chandler’s relentless drive, yet he’s vocal about ensuring his sons grow up grounded.

Dru Miller Chandler: A New Chapter

In April 2025, Michael and Brie welcomed their third child, daughter Dru Miller Chandler, via surrogacy. Now about 5 months old, Dru’s arrival was a milestone after years of fertility struggles. The decision to pursue surrogacy was deeply considered, with Brie sharing their gratitude for the process on Instagram. Dru’s name, a nod to strength and family heritage, reflects the Chandlers’ hope for her future. Michael, who was preparing for his UFC 314 bout against Paddy Pimblett at the time, adjusted his schedule to be present for her birth, underscoring his commitment to family. Early photos show Dru cradled by her brothers, a testament to the tight-knit Chandler clan.

Balancing Fatherhood and Fighting

A Father in the Fight Game

Chandler’s UFC career—marked by high-stakes bouts like his 2024 rematch with Charles Oliveira and a 2025 loss to Pimblett—demands intense focus. Yet, he’s meticulous about carving out family time. Living in Nashville, Tennessee, where he runs his Training Camp gym, Chandler structures his days to include school drop-offs, family dinners, and bedtime routines. He’s shared how Hap and Ace’s presence at fights, even via video calls, fuels his motivation, while Brie manages the home front during his absences.

Teaching Resilience and Faith

As a devout Christian, Chandler instills values of faith, perseverance, and kindness in his children. He and Brie prioritize a faith-based upbringing, attending church and teaching their kids to pray. Chandler often references his own upbringing in High Ridge, Missouri, where his parents, Michael Sr. and Betty, modeled hard work. He wants Hap, Ace, and Dru to inherit that grit, whether they pursue sports or not. His public discussions about adoption and surrogacy aim to normalize these paths, inspiring fans facing similar journeys.

The Impact of Fatherhood on Chandler’s Career

A Deeper Why

Chandler’s children have reshaped his approach to MMA. After adopting Hap, he spoke of fighting for a legacy beyond titles, a mindset evident in his willingness to take on killers like Islam Makhachev in 2024. Fatherhood grounds him, providing perspective after losses, like the unanimous decision to Oliveira at UFC 309. His kids, he says, remind him that “the cage doesn’t define me.” This balance has kept him mentally sharp at 39, with potential bouts against Conor McGregor or a Gaethje rematch looming.

Public Persona and Advocacy

With over 2 million Instagram followers, Chandler uses his platform to showcase his family, blending fight hype with candid dad moments. Posts of Hap and Ace at the gym or Dru’s first smiles resonate with fans, boosting his marketability. His advocacy for adoption—sharing resources and personal stories—has earned praise, aligning with his sponsorships like Monster Energy and 1st Phorm, which value his wholesome image. This authenticity adds to his estimated $5-6 million net worth, with family-oriented content driving engagement.

Challenges and Triumphs

Navigating Fertility and Adoption

The Chandlers’ openness about fertility struggles and adoption has struck a chord. Michael has called the process “humbling,” noting the emotional weight of waiting for Hap and Ace. Surrogacy for Dru brought new complexities, but their transparency has made them relatable to millions. Brie, a former fitness model, complements Michael’s advocacy, sharing their story to destigmatize non-traditional paths to parenthood.

Raising Kids in the Spotlight

As a UFC star, Chandler faces the challenge of raising kids under public scrutiny. Hap and Ace occasionally appear at events, but he and Brie shield them from excessive exposure. Dru, still an infant, is kept private, with only curated glimpses shared. Chandler’s finance degree from the University of Missouri informs his approach, ensuring his kids’ futures are secure through investments like real estate and savings from his $500,000-per-fight purses.

Looking Ahead: A Family Legacy

As Chandler eyes his next UFC chapter—potentially a 2026 McGregor clash—his children remain his north star. Hap, now school-aged, is starting to understand his dad’s fame, while Ace’s toddler energy keeps the household lively. Dru, growing fast, represents hope for the future. Chandler’s goal is to retire from fighting with enough wealth and wisdom to be fully present for their milestones, from Hap’s first wrestling match to Dru’s first steps.

Michael Chandler’s kids—Hap, Ace, and Dru—are more than his legacy; they’re his reason to keep walking on. In a sport defined by violence, his gentle role as a father shines brightest, proving that even an "Iron" warrior has a heart of gold.