As Michael Chandler prepares to defend his Bellator Lightweight Title on July 31st live on Spike, the promotion announced today that he has signed an eight fight extension with the promotion.
“In all my years in combat sports, I’ve never seen the growth and development in a fighter like we’ve all witnessed with Michael Chandler,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “I believe Michael is the best lightweight in MMA. And, given that, I felt it was paramount to keep Michael at Bellator for the long term. Both inside and outside the cage, Michael is a tremendous representative for our Bellator. And, now as one of the highest paid lightweights in MMA, he’s without question earned that distinction.”
Chandler (11-0) burst on the Bellator scene in 2010 winning three consecutive bouts before winning the Bellator Lightweight Tournament before earning a shot at then champion Eddie Alvarez. Chandler finished Alvarez with a fourth round submission in a fight that was a candidate for “Fight of the Year”. Chandler has won two fights since that bout, a non-title bout against Akihiro Gono, and a title defense against Rick Hawn.
Chandler is now set to take on tournament winner David “The Caveman” Rickels on July 31st.
“Since I signed with Bellator back in 2010, Bjorn laid out a plan for me of how he saw my career progressing and what type of levels we could reach together, and everything has come true,” Chandler said. “I couldn’t be happier with the situation I’m in right now. Bellator is my home, it’s where I want to be, and it’s where I’m going to continue to defend my belt. Over the last few months you’ve continued to see Bellator go out and sign some of the best talent in the world, and the tournaments continue to be loaded with talent that I’m ready to take on. I believe in this format and what Bellator is doing, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. My focus right now is solely on David Rickels, and making sure we put on a show July 31st.”