Michael Chandler’s last successful Bellator lightweight title defense came over a big name, but also with some controversy.
At Bellator 165 back in 2016, the Bellator staple fought former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in a back-and-forth war that ended in a split decision. Chandler (19-5 MMA, 16-5 BMMA) outpointed Henderson 48-46, 46-48, 48-47 in the judges scorecards that night in San Jose, Calif.
Although Chandler was disappointed in his performance, his fight with Henderson was one of the more exciting title bouts in Bellator’s history.
After defeating Henderson, Chandler went on to fight Brent Primus. He lost the fight via technical knockout after Primus’ leg kicks caused a nasty ankle injury that had many fans watching the fight cringing.
But the injury didn’t stop Chandler. The All-American wrestler went on to defeat Goiti Yamauchi and then Brandon Girtz to get another shot at Primus. In his second bout with the man who took the belt away from him, Chandler outpointed Primus to win back the Bellator lightweight strap, beginning his third title reign.
However, things didn’t go well for Chandler moving forward, as he lost the title to now champ-champ Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 221 in May.
Soon, Chandler will get his chance to return to the win column and make another run for the title. He was supposed to rematch Henderson at Bellator 237 in Japan, but due to injury sustained by Henderson, Chandler will now take on late replacement Sidney Outlaw. The bout will go down on on Dec. 29.
