Just months after capturing the Bellator Lightweight Championship in what many are calling the fight of the year, Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) is already giving back, partnering with the St. Louis based Friends of Kids with Cancer to create BlessedThreads.com. Chandler and his team have created apparel with his “Blessed” motto that will be sold exclusively on BlessedThreads.com, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to Friends of Kids with Cancer. Beginning as a toy closet at cancer-treatment locations, Friends of Kids with Cancer now has a 19-year history in St. Louis, Mo., Chandler’s hometown.
“Almost everyone has had family members or friends affected by cancer, and I just wanted to give back,” Chandler said. “With my St. Louis roots, it seemed like a natural fit. Friends of Kids with Cancer do a fantastic job of helping these children go through the long process of treatment, and help ease the burden that falls on everyone affected. I’ve been incredibly blessed throughout my life, and these shirts are a way to give back and send a message that their fight should continue.”
After a successful tournament run in Bellator’s fourth season, Chandler opened eyes in the MMA community with his Fight of the Year performance against Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 58, netting Chandler the Bellator Lightweight Title (Watch Fight Here: http://bit.ly/uoaoCE). The undefeated University of Missouri product is well on his way to becoming one of the most dominant fighters in the sport, and is taking that intensity and passion outside the cage.
“I can’t express how excited and proud we are to be partnering with Michael and BlessedThreads.com,” said Judy Ciapciak, Executive Director of Friends of Kids with Cancer. “Michael has been incredibly generous with his time and commitment, and will make a fantastic addition to this program. Like Michael, our kids know what it means to get knocked down and back up again, and to see the dedication Michael has for this program is tremendous.”
“Michael Chandler represents everything that is good about Mixed Martial Arts,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “His drive, determination and world-class ability inside the cage are only rivaled by his character and integrity outside of it. Michael’s stepping up to help Friends of Kids with Cancer comes as no surprise. That’s just who he is.”
Purchases can be made at BlessedThreads.com. Donations can also be made directly to Friends of Kids with Cancer at Friendsofkids.com.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator