Michael Chandler

Tony Ferguson to the UFC regarding Poirier: “Pay the man!”

by
Tony Ferguson, UFC

The UFC‘s lightweight boogie man is trying to campaign for his fight to be saved. Tony Ferguson (25-4) has been training and getting ready to fight Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC) next month on fight island. However, the fight has failed to materialize.

After some negotiations, the UFC decided to scrap the fight. The promotion couldn’t come to terms with Poirier on the financial figures. While there was hope for the fight to be saved, Dana White said that the UFC wasn’t even trying to save it.

However, El Cucuy has voiced his opinion on the matter. He believes that the UFC needs to step up and pay Dustin Poirier to make this fight happen. Of course, his opponent fully agrees with Ferguson’s statements.

What does the UFC do?

This is a fight that the fans want to see, and Dana White always says that he wants to make the fights happen that the fans want to see. Granted, we don’t know how far apart the UFC and Poirier were on the financial terms of the deal.

Poirier is in a tough spot not actually being the champion. He’s not in a Conor McGregor position where he can demand a ton more from the promotion. That being said, Poirier knows his popularity is growing, and he wants to be compensated.

A fight between these two men would clearly determine the number one contender in the UFC‘s lightweight division. Despite both hovering in the top five for some time now, these two lightweight standouts have yet to cross paths.

Of course, if the UFC was too far away, there are a couple of options for Ferguson. My favorite option outside of Poirier would be the fight with Michael Chandler. I think that would be a fantastic fight for both Ferguson and the debuting Chandler.

Time will tell what the UFC decides to do. I know that Tony Ferguson wants to fight, and it’s clear he wants to fight Dustin Poirier. It’ll be interesting to see what the promotion decides to do.

UFC: Could Tony Ferguson – Michael Chandler be next?

by
Tony Ferguson, UFC

This week, UFC fight fans were dealt a tough blow as we found out that the highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC) would not happen. Negotiations for the fight fell apart between Poirier and the UFC.

There were questions surrounding what would be the next move from the promotion. Many thought that the UFC would take a step back and try to renegotiate with Poirier, but Dana White said that is not the plan. They are working on a new fight for Ferguson.

Could Ferguson welcome a UFC newcomer?

“No, we’re not even trying to salvage it (the fight between Ferguson and Poirier),” White said in his post-fight press conference following UFC Vegas 10. White then said that the promotion was going to get another fight for Tony Ferguson.

The media then asked about a guy who could be an interesting matchup for Ferguson, and that’s Michael Chandler (21-5). White commented on if the UFC has talked with the free agent. “Yeah, we’ve talked to Chandler. I like the kid, so we’ll see,” White said of Chandler.

White said if they brought Chandler in, they would have to see what would be available for his UFC debut, but a fight with Ferguson wasn’t dismissed. In fact, that’s a fight that would make a lot of sense.

Michael Chandler has said that if he joins the UFC, he wants to go right into the top five. There’s no one better to test yourself against than El Cucuy. While UFC fans might be sad Poirier – Ferguson isn’t happening, I think Chandler – Ferguson would be a very nice replacement.

UFC: Tony Ferguson – Dustin Poirier fight not happening

by
Tony Ferguson, UFC

One of the most highly anticipated lightweight matchups of the fall will not happen. The UFC was planning on having Tony Ferguson (25-4) and Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC) co-headline UFC 254. The promotion has been working on this fight for a while.

Things started to get bumpy when Poirier said yesterday that he was a, “Prize fighter and the prize needs to be right.” Seemingly, Poirier was suggesting that the negotiations with the UFC were not going well.

Well, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani is reporting this afternoon that the highly anticipated matchup between Poirier and Ferguson is off. According to Poirier, “UFC and I couldn’t come to terms. I won’t be fighting on October 24th.”

What does the UFC do now?

It’s tough to say what the UFC is planning to do next. We don’t know how far they were apart with Poirier, but for the fight to fall apart publicly, my guess is that the numbers were not close. I think the promotion will still try to keep Ferguson on the card.

In looking at the rankings, it’s possible that the UFC tries to throw Dan Hooker (20-9) in there. Hooker is coming off of a loss back in June to Poirier, but from a rankings perspective, he would be the next in line. I’m not counting Conor McGregor here.

Of course, there is a much sexier option that I would offer the UFC. Why not call up the hottest free agent in the business in Michael Chandler (21-5)? Chandler said that if he comes to the UFC, he wants to go right into the deep end. Doesn’t get much deeper than El Cucuy.

Of course, the UFC could always try to renegotiate the fight with Poirier for a later date. Time will tell what happens, but this is a tough blow for fans that were pumped for this fight.

How would Patricio “Pitbull” Freire fair in the UFC?

by
Patricio Pitbull Freire

Over the weekend, the media were quick to ask UFC President Dana White about the comments that Scott Coker made regarding Bellator’s light heavyweight division. Coker stated that their division was better than the UFC’s.

White responded with a short and quick, “Isn’t he cute?” The media followed-up by asking about if the UFC be interested in cross promotional super fights. White dismissed this saying nothing would be interesting.

When the media followed-up asking about arguably Bellator’s top fighter, Patricio Pitbull (30-4), White played it off. He said he couldn’t tell you anything about Bellator’s double champ. Pitbull wasn’t pleased with the response.

How would Pitbull fair in the UFC?

Let me start out by stating that I’m a big fan of Patricio Pitbull. I think he is a great fighter, and I truly believe that he can compete with anyone in the UFC‘s featherweight division. There is a reason that Pitbull is currently ranked 4th in the ESPN featherweight rankings.

I believe that Patricio Pitbull would be squarely in the top five of the UFC‘s featherweight rankings if he was with the promotion. Would he beat Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, or Zabit Magomedsharipov? I’m not sure about that, but he would definitely be competitive.

Where I don’t see him being very competitive is in the UFC‘s lightweight division. Pitbull is the Bellator lightweight champion as well, but that’s not his natural weight class. The UFC‘s lightweight division is the deepest division in the history of the sport.

Yes, Patricio Freire has a knockout over top free agent Michael Chandler, but I’m not sure how he would do against the UFC‘s best. Imagine Pitbull against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and I could go on and on. He’d be a sizable underdog in any of those contests.

If the UFC and Bellator would ever agree to such an event, I would implore Pitbull to take on the UFC‘s featherweight champion. That would be a competitive fight. However, I don’t think he could swim with those sharks at lightweight. What do you think?

 

UFC: Dana White wants to meet with free agent Michael Chandler

by
Michael Chandler

At the UFC 252 post-fight press conference, the media asked Dana White about the hottest free agent on the MMA market. That free agent is the former Bellator lightweight champion, Michael Chandler (21-5).

The media asked if White wanted to meet with Chandler, and White responded, “I would love to meet with him. That guy has earned it. I would love to meet with him.”

The UFC and Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler is coming off of a massive win in his last contest at Bellator 243. Chandler knocked out former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson, in the first round of their fight.

For years, Chandler has been considered one of the best fighters in the world. However, because he fought in Bellator, a lot of people didn’t give him the respect he deserved. The UFC‘s lightweight division has always been the deepest in the sport, but the same can’t be said about Bellator’s.

Despite not having the deepest talent pool, Chandler continued to show just how talented he was. He holds wins over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson. Chandler is 34 years old, but he looked the best he’s ever looked in his last contest.

There are so many exciting matchups for Chandler inside the UFC. Chandler against anyone in the top five of the division would be a very good fight. Chandler has great wrestling, very good boxing, and top notch power.

I fully expect the UFC to meet with Chandler very soon, and I believe that a deal will come together rather quickly. I’m sure other promotions will make their offers, but I think the desire to compete against the very best will bring Michael Chandler to the UFC.

 

Will it be the UFC or Bellator for Michael Chandler?

by
Michael Chandler

Last Friday evening, Iron Michael Chandler (21-5) put on the perfect performance in the final fight of his Bellator contract. At Bellator 243, Chandler starched former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson, in the first round.

Chandler was set to test free agency for the first time in his career. It was a dangerous fight for Chandler to take, but it says a lot about him as a fighter. He took the most dangerous opponent he could in his final fight on his contract.

It was dangerous, but Chandler had arguably the most impressive win of his career. Now, the 34 year old lightweight walks into free agency with a ton of momentum.

Will it be the UFC or Bellator?

When the fight was over, Chandler sounded like a fighter that might have a foot out the door with his current promotion. While he did say to Scott Coker, “Let’s get something done,” he also made it very clear that it could be his final fight in Bellator.

In the post-fight press conference, you could see the UFC wheels turning for Chandler. The media was asking him about potential matchups with guys like Conor McGregor and more.

As a competitor, there is a clear choice for Chandler. If he wants to prove that he is truly at the highest level, he needs to make the jump to the UFC. No disrespect to Bellator, but the competition is just not there.

Sure, there is Patricio Pitbull. Pitbull is definitely one of the best in the world, but the UFC‘s lightweight division is shark infested waters. The division is the most stacked division in the world, and I think that’s very appealing to Chandler.

I’ve wanted to see Chandler make the UFC jump for years now. I’ve always felt that he’s been one of the best lightweights in the world, but he never got the respect he deserved because he fought in Bellator.

This is his chance to prove himself. There is not a single easy fight in the UFC‘s top ten of the lightweight division. If Chandler makes the jump, I could see the promotion giving him someone like Dan Hooker out of the gate.

Unless they want to build him up a little inside the octagon. However, given Chandler’s background and history, I think he’d jump right into the deep end. My prediction is that by the November or December, we are going to be seeing Michael Chandler make the walk in the UFC.

Bellator 243 Recap: Michael Chandler KO’s Benson Henderson in the first

by

Bellator returned this evening for their second event since opening back up after the pandemic shut things down earlier this year. In the main event of the evening, Benson Henderson (28-8) took on Michael Chandler (20-5). A very solid night of fights from Bellator.

Michael Chandler KO’s Henderson in the First

The main event of the evening was a rematch a few years in the making as the two former lightweight world champions squared off. Chandler entered this fight in the last fight of his current deal with Bellator.

As the main event kicked off, Chandler immediately charged over to Henderson. Henderson started with a big body kick. Chandler countered with a big body kick of his own.

Henderson continued his steady onslaught of body work early on. Big body kicks and solid hooks. Chandler kept pushing forward, but Henderson looked very crisp early on.

Out of no where, Chandler landed a massive left hook which floored Henderson. Chandler followed up with some massive shots and the fight was over. Massive win for Michael Chandler as he heads into free agency.

Accidental headbutt leads to TKO for Tim Johnson

The co-main event of the evening featured Bellator heavyweights Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) and Tim Johnson (13-6) going head-to-head.

As the fight started, Mitrione refused to touch gloves as he circled around the outside of the cage. A brief exchange led to an accidental headbutt which dropped Mitrione and gave Johnson top position.

Johnson was able to work his way to side control a couple of minutes into the round. Mitrione tried to scramble, but Johnson was doing a good job of holding top position. Mitrione tried another scramble, but took a couple of big shots from Johnson.

Johnson started pouring on big shots and Mitrione looked really hurt. After Mitrione showed nothing in terms of defense, the referee called a stop to the action. A big TKO win for Johnson, but it won’t come without an asterisk due to that headbutt.

Myles Jury edges Georgi Karakhanyan

The second fight on the main card featured a lightweight contest between Myles Jury (18-5) and Georgi Karakhanyan (29-10-1). Both of these guys were looking to make it two in a row inside the Bellator cage after coming off multiple fight losing streaks.

As the first round started, Karakhanyan threw a big looping right hand that clipped Jury. Didn’t land flush, but it got Jury’s attention. Jury landed a couple of good shots before getting turned around by a powerful leg kick.

Karakhanyan was looking very powerful early on. Halfway through the round, Karakhanyan drove Jury to the cage and started delivering knees the thighs. Jury was able to separate with about two minutes left.

Jury landed a couple of good shots before Karakhanyan drove him right back to the cage. He was able to cut Karakhanyan late in the round.

Upon another separation, Jury landed a couple of good shots, but Karakhanyan countered with a power shot. Close round, but I lean Karakhanyan.

Jury immediately started the third with more power shots, but couldn’t land much. The pace was really being picked up by Jury to start the second. Karakhanyan seemed a lot slower to start.

After taking the first minute off, Karakhanyan did throw a couple of looping shots that didn’t land. Jury was doing a much better job in the second at working his strikes from distance.

Myles Jury was starting to really touch Karakhanyan constantly halfway through the round. Good jabs, solid combinations and a steady diet of kicks to the body. Karakhanyan tried for a desperate takedown but couldn’t get Jury down.

Karakhanyan landed a massive right hand as Jury tried to get away. He used the right to transition to another takedown. After being down for a second, Jury worked his way up and pushed Karakhanyan against the cage.

Karakhanyan was able to reverse and get another brief takedown late in the round. Very close second round, but due to the clean shots, I would give it to Jury.

Jury started the third round trying to work his jab again. A weird moment occured about thirty seconds in. Jury was poked in the eye, but the action didn’t stop. After the action didn’t stop Karakhanyan stopped then Jury pushed forward.

Fortunately nothing significant landed. Jury landed a solid elbow before looking for a takedown. Karakhanyan reversed the position and was able to secure a brief takedown. Jury immediately got up and separated.

Jury was able to land a couple of solid shots pushing forward. Karakhanyan pulled Jury into a guillotine, but couldn’t lock it in. Jury secured top position after the failed submission.

Karakhanyan tried to work his way up, but Jury did a good job of holding the top. Jury briefly took Karakhanyan’s back before a scramble found him back in guard. Jury landed a couple of really nice elbows late.

Karakhanyan did get back up, but it was a little too late. Close fight overall, but I give the third round to Jury which gives him the fight on my scorecard 29-28.

The judges were split on this one scoring the fight (30-27, 27-30, 29-28). Odd scores, but Jury wins his second Bellator fight.

Homasi survives Millender’s late rally

Opening up Bellator 243 was a catchweight contest between Curtis Millender (18-5) and Sabah Homasi (13-8). Both of these men were coming off of wins in their return to Bellator.

When the first round started both men exchanged leg kicks before throwing haymakers at each other. Homasi continued to look for a giant overhand right early on.

Millender appeared to be stalking Homasi just looking for his shots. A couple of stiff jabs were landing from Millender while Homasi continued to look to land a bomb. With two minutes left in the round, Homasi was able to shoot in and land a takedown.

Once he had top position, Homasi was able to land some solid elbows. Close round early on, but the takedown seals the first for Homasi.

Millender opened the second round landing a massive jab that backed up Homasi. Homasi was getting backed up by Millender, but he threw a few body kicks to keep the distance. Homasi tried for a takedown about a minute into the round.

Millender was able to defend for a bit, but eventually Homasi was able to get Millender to the ground. Homasi was able to hold solid top position for the majority of the round.

With about a minute left in the round, Homasi was able to take Millender’s back. However, he got a little high in the position and Millender was able to secure top position. Millender tried for a d’arce choke but he ended up back on his back. Another clear round for Homasi.

Millender pressed forward to start round three, but he pressured Homasi right into a clinch. The two men broke from the clinch, and Millender continued to press forward. Homasi seemed fatigued to start the final round.

As soon as Millender started to gain some momentum on the feet, he tried again for a d’arce choke. He couldn’t lock it up and ended up on his back again. Millender worked his way back up to his feet halfway through the round.

After landing a couple of solid shots, Millender just laid against Homasi against the cage. Millender was clearly gassed himself. Homasi landed another easy takedown. Millender did reverse position to gain top position before the end of the round.

I would give the last round to Millender, but the fight to Homasi 29-28. The judges ended up scoring the fight unanimously for Homasi (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Final Takeaways from Bellator 243

Bellator successfully hosted it’s second event tonight and there were some solid fights up and down the card. The promotion will be back in a couple of weeks when light heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader defends his title.

Michael Chandler could not have asked for a better performance heading into free agency. A dominant knockout of a former UFC champion. It’ll be interesting to see if he remains with Bellator or moves on to another promotion.

 

Bellator 243 Preview: Can Benson Henderson avenge his loss to Michael Chandler?

by
Benson Henderson

Bellator MMA will make it’s return tomorrow night. This will be the second card that the promotion has put on since starting back up after the pandemic halted events in February.

In the main event of the evening, we will see a rematch between former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson (28-8), and former Bellator lightweight champion, Michael Chandler (20-5). Let’s take a look at the main card for Bellator 243.

Chandler – Henderson rematch at Bellator 243

The main event of the evening is one of the Bellator fights that I was looking forward to the most this year. Personally, I think the promotion should have returned with this fight as the headliner.

In the first fight between Chandler and Henderson, Chandler walked away with a split decision. Re-watching the fight, I thought it was pretty clear that Chandler took three of the five rounds. Since that fight, Chandler has gone 4-2 while Henderson has gone 4-1.

Both men are former world champions. For the former UFC lightweight champion, Henderson, the Bellator crown has evaded him. He’s tried at welterweight and he’s tried at lightweight, but couldn’t get it done.

Henderson is very well rounded. He’s got pretty decent standup, good wrestling, and great skills on the ground. However, Henderson has a tendency to be very patient and point fight which is why six of his eight Bellator fights have gone to the scorecards.

Michael Chandler is a legend in Bellator. He’s nearing ten years with the promotion and he’s the former lightweight champion. Chandler has a wrestling base, but he’s got really crisp boxing and good speed to go with it.

Chandler is set to become a free agent after the fight tomorrow so it’s a big fight for him. Henderson enters this contest on a four fight winning streak while Chandler is 4-1 in his last five with the only loss coming to the double champion, Patricio Pitbull.

I think Chandler is just a bad matchup for Henderson. I think the speed and striking advantage will help Chandler on the feet, and I think Chandler is good enough to avoid submissions on the ground. Henderson will have moments, but I think Chandler gets the win here.

Prediction: Michael Chandler by Unanimous Decision

Matt Mitrione vs Timothy Johnson

The co-main event of the evening is a heavyweight contest between Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) and Timothy Johnson (13-6).

For Mitrione, he will be making the Bellator walk for the eighth time tomorrow night. Mitrione stared 4-0 in Bellator with wins over Fedor Emelianenko and Roy Nelson. However, Mitrione has gone 0-2, 1 NC in his last three.

Mitrione is known for his good power and really good footwork. The former football player is extremely athletic. His natural athleticism combined with his striking skills make him dangerous for anyone.

Johnson didn’t get off to the best start in Bellator. The former UFC heavyweight made the jump and promptly was knocked out twice in the first round. He did bounce back knocking out Tyrell Fortune in the first round back in February.

Johnson has decent wrestling and he’s got good power in his hands. I can’t see him winning a stand up fight so he will need to use his wrestling to get Mitrione down.

In the past, we’ve seen Mitrione’s weakness is getting taken down and held there. If Johnson can do that, I think he can win a decision. However, I think his chin is suspect, and I think Mitrone is going to catch him with something in the second.

Prediction: Matt Mitrione by TKO – Round 2

Myles Jury vs Georgi Karakhanyan

An interesting lightweight contest is on the main card which pairs Myles Jury (18-5) and Georgi Karakhanyan (29-10-1). To be honest, this is a fight that would have been really highly anticipated if it came back in 2014.

Back in 2014, Jury was riding high in the UFC at 15-0. A lot of people were pointing to this guy as a future champion. Jury was also the first person who would tell you just how good he was. However, Jury was humbled by Cowboy Cerrone.

Starting with the Cerrone fight, Jury has gone 3-5 in his last eight contest. Jury made his Bellator debut last September against Benson Henderson and dropped a decision. He did bounce back against Brandon Girtz back in February.

Back in 2014, Karakhanyan was 23-3-1. A lot of analysts were really high on Karakhanyan, but his career took a downturn. Since that impressive record, Karakhanyan has gone 6-7 with one no contest in his last 14 fights.

Karakhanyan did win his last time out against Paul Redmond in February, but that was coming off of an eight second knockout loss to AJ McKee.

In looking at both of these guys, I’m just not sure where Karakhanyan wins this fight. I think Jury is just a little better in almost every aspect. I don’t really see a finish coming here so I’m going with Jury to get it done by points.

Prediction: Myles Jury by Unanimous Decision

Curtis Millender vs Sabah Homasi

A fun catchweight contest at 175 pounds between Curtis Millender (18-5) and Sabah Homasi (13-8) will also be on the main card tomorrow night.

Millender was looking like a pretty bright welterweight prospect when he was in the UFC entering 2019. Millender was 17-3 holding wins over guys like Thiago Alves. However, two straight losses got him the hook from the promotion.

Millender signed with Bellator in late 2019 and made his debut back in January where he won a unanimous decision over Moses Murrietta. Millender is a really good striker, but is usually content with point fighting his way to a victory.

Hamasi enters this contest after back-to-back wins in Bellator including a 17 second knockout over Micah Terrill. It’s been almost a year since we’ve seen Hamasi compete.

Hamasi was also in the UFC but was cut after he was finished in three consecutive fights prompting his promotional switch. Hamasi has 11 finishes in 13 wins and the American Top Team fighter has shown crisp striking.

While Hamasi has looked good, I don’t like this matchup for him. I think Millender will be able to use his length and accuracy to get the better of the striking exchanges.

Prediction: Curtis Millender by Unanimous Decision

Bellator 243 Outlook

This is a very solid card for Bellator. I would have really liked this to be the first card back as I said above, no disrespect to Sergio Pettis or Ricky Bandejas. Two former world champions in a big rematch is something that will tune a lot of folks in, and I’m excited to watch it play out.

Michael Chandler could walk away from Bellator after his fight with Benson Henderson

by

One of the biggest stars that Bellator has had in the last decade is Michael Chandler (20-5). The 34 year old veteran made his promotional debut when he was just 24 years old.

Almost ten years after his run with the promotion kicked off, Chandler is set to test the open market after Bellator 243. Chandler has widely been considered one of the better lightweights in the world regardless of where he fights.

Chandler has been very vocal about his feelings regarding Bellator. The promotion he’s called home for 22 of his 25 fights has treated him very well. He’s never become a free agent so this will be a new experience for him.

“I never actually became a free agent,” Chandler said to MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “It was reported wrong in the media. I’ve never been a free agent. This will be the first time in my career I’ll be a free agent.”

Will Chandler leave Bellator?

This is a question that is on everyone’s mind. While Chandler isn’t the current lightweight champion in Bellator, there is no questioning his talent and skill. If he wins tomorrow night, there are going to be calls coming his way.

“I’m not really worried about whatever happens after this fight,” Chandler said. “This a big fight for me and an important fight for me. I’m a free agent after this fight. As soon as I get done with this, we’ll speak to Bellator.”

“I’d be just happy as to already have signed a new deal with Bellator and do a ten fight deal…I also am not afraid to take a chance on this fight and take a gamble on myself…I know there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t get reached out to by thousands and thousands of people about the exciting matchups,” Chandler said.

Of course, many of those fans are probably referring to the matchups that could come under the UFC banner. The UFC’s lightweight division is stacked with the elite of the elite.

I believe that Bellator will try to go all out to keep Chandler since he’s been a poster boy for the promotion. However, as a competitor, the draw of the UFC will be strong. If he really wants to test himself, there’s no better proving ground.

The competition is much greater in the UFC than it is in Bellator. Bellator has great fighters don’t get me wrong, but the UFC’s lightweight division is on another level. It’ll be interesting to see where Chandler ends up after tomorrow night.

Bellator: Michael Chandler – Benson Henderson 2 on tap for Aug. 7th event

by

Bellator MMA is going to be making their return this month, and you can expect them to come out swinging with their events. Multiple reports are saying that a big time lightweight matchup is booked for their second event.

Chandler’s last Bellator fight?

The much anticipated rematch between Michael Chandler (20-5) and Benson Henderson (28-8) is slated to headline Bellator‘s August 7th event.

For Chandler, this is the last fight on his current Bellator deal. Chandler wants to stay with the promotion, but he has alluded to his openness to the market.

Chandler comes into the rematch after knocking out Sidney Outlaw at Bellator 237 back in December. When Chandler first fought Henderson, Chandler took the fight by split decision.

The former UFC lightweight champion, Henderson, enters this rematch on a four fight winning streak in Bellator. Henderson didn’t get off to the best start in his Bellator career.

After jumping to the promotion, “Smooth” started just 1-3. After that rough start, Henderson rattled off those four consecutive wins including victories over Myles Jury and Adam Piccolotti.

This is a big fight for both men. For Henderson, a win could mean a title shot. For Chandler, a win is massive heading into free agency. Expect Bellator to build a pretty good card around this main event on August 7th.