Michael Chandler made a loud statement on the mats Saturday night in Chicago: even outside the cage, he still belongs among elite grapplers. At the Real American Freestyle event labeled RAF 3, Chandler out-wrestled former UFC and BKFC competitor Chad Mendes to claim a decisive 4–1 victory in front of a packed Wintrust Arena crowd. The fight served as a powerful reminder that Chandler’s wrestling pedigree remains intact.

Mendes — a two-time NCAA All-American and former UFC featherweight title contender — came into the match as a respected and decorated wrestler. His collegiate accolades and reputation inside MMA made many expect a close, tactical match. Instead, Chandler’s size, pace, and timing overwhelmed Mendes’ offense from the opening whistle.

The bout got off to a fast start when Mendes looked for a roll attempt early. The move ended in a slip, and Chandler quickly reversed the position — gaining two points. On top of that, Chandler scored a passivity point against Mendes. That sequence gave Chandler a 3–0 lead after the first period, already placing him in firm control. From there, he dictated pace, worked underhooks, pressured Mendes, and limited his ability to find angles for shots or re-attacks.

The match wasn’t without drama: the referee paused action twice due to accidental eye pokes and clashes of heads. Mendes even suffered swelling around the eye but pressed on. However, none of that changed the trajectory. Late in the match, Chandler secured the final point with a push-out, cementing his 4–1 win and handing Mendes a clear defeat.

For Chandler, the win marks more than just another victory — it stands as validation. Once a top MMA lightweight and Bellator champion, Chandler has faced setbacks inside the octagon of late. The move to wrestling for RAF-3 was viewed by some as a soft landing. Instead, Chandler treated it as a proving ground. By beating Mendes — a respected name with real credentials — he showed that his athleticism and mat skills remain sharp.

With the win, Chandler didn’t just walk away with a result: he looked every bit like the elite wrestler he once was. The crowd reaction and the decisive scoreline suggest that this performance may be more than a detour. It could represent the beginning of a new path — one where Chandler’s wrestling legacy continues to shape his combat sports journey.

For Mendes, the loss is a blow. He entered RAF 3 with expectations that his technical grappling and MMA experience might give him a competitive edge. Instead, Chandler’s pressure neutralized those advantages. Mendes’ transitions and setups looked stalled under constant forward momentum — and the mismatch in physicality and pace proved the difference. This result raises questions about Mendes’ future in freestyle wrestling, and whether a return to MMA or BKFC might make more sense than continuing in RAF.

The event as a whole showcased the growing appeal of wrestling-rooted events and athletes returning to the mat. Veteran names, new prospects, and former MMA competitors all converged to highlight how dynamic and competitive modern freestyle wrestling remains. Chandler’s victory over Mendes — two former MMA standouts — added extra legitimacy to the night.

In post-match remarks, Chandler looked beyond just the win. While staying respectful to Mendes’ credentials and heart, he noted that performance on the mat is what counts now. Whether this marks a full return to wrestling, a hybrid career path, or simply a high-level test for a former MMA champion remains to be seen. What is certain: after RAF 3, the wrestling world—and the wider combat sports community—should remember Michael Chandler’s name.

RAF 3 in Chicago will be remembered for many matches, but the main event delivered what fans came for: elite-level wrestling between athletes with real stakes, history, and heart. Chandler rose to the occasion, proved his mettle, and reminded everyone why roots matter. Whether this performance leads to another shot in MMA, a full return to wrestling, or simply respect earned — it was a win that added a new chapter to his long career.