Chandler Launched Through Ropes in NXT Match

UFC lightweight Michael Chandler interfered as special enforcer in a WWE NXT bout between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a wrestler mid-motion at the ropes of a squared ring under harsh arena spotlights, dust catching the light. — UFC lightweight Michael Chandler served as a special enforcer in a WWE NXT match, where he was pushed through the ropes by two hands during the bout between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

UFC lightweight Michael Chandler served as special enforcer in a WWE NXT match between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana, where he intervened over the use of handcuffs in the corner and was pushed through the ropes by two hands. WWE and UFC share a parent company, TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the business ties between WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings, Inc., and raises the question of whether Chandler's role in pro wrestling could extend beyond a single appearance. Chandler is coming off a four-fight losing streak.

Chandler, 40, is 23-11 overall and has lost four straight fights, with four of his six most recent losses coming by finish. Since his early 2021 UFC debut he has won five post-fight performance bonuses, three of them for Fight of the Night.

The players

Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler is a veteran UFC lightweight fighter known for his aggressive style and multiple performance bonuses.

TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. is the parent company that owns both WWE and UFC.

The details

Chandler entered the NXT ring as special enforcer during the match between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana after taking exception to the use of handcuffs in the corner. He was pushed through the ropes by two hands as he intervened.

November 5, 2026: Chandler appears as special enforcer in the WWE NXT match.
Early 2021: Chandler makes his UFC debut.

Season Trajectory

The cross-promotion reflects the corporate structure TKO Group Holdings has built, with WWE and UFC both under one parent company. Such crossovers have become a recurring feature of how the two properties promote each other.

Fantasy managers tracking Chandler's status should note his four-fight losing streak heading into any future bout. Viewers of WWE NXT may see Chandler return in a similar role, though no appearance has been announced.

The takeaway

Crossovers between WWE and UFC highlight how TKO Group's shared ownership is shaping cross-promotion between combat sports and pro wrestling audiences. Fans should watch whether such appearances become more frequent.