The Bellator 243 lineup is rolling out.
On Aug. 7, Bellator will head back to Mohegan Sun Arena for its second event since returning from hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Headlining the card will be a rematch between former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler and former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.
Additionally, heavyweight contenders Matt Mitrione and Tim Johnson will square off in Uncasville, Conn.
Multiple sources informed MMA Junkie of the bookings Thursday but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Combate was first to report Chandler vs. Henderson 2.
Chandler (20-5 MMA, 17-5 BMMA) and Henderson (28-8 MMA, 5-3 UFC) first fought at Bellator 165 in November 2016. At the time, Chandler was Bellator’s 155-pound titleholder. After five rounds, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards, with Chandler declared the split decision winner.
Since their first meeting, Chandler has gone 4-1. His lone loss was an unsuccessful title defense against Patricio Freire. After losing his belt, Chandler defeated Sidney Outlaw by knockout last December.
As for Henderson, “Smooth” dropped a fight to Patricky Freire after losing to Chandler. He has since rattled off four straight victories.
Mitrione (13-7 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) has gone 0-2 with a no contest in his past three fights. He was expected to fight Ronny Markes at Bellator 241 in March, however, the event was canceled just hours prior to its scheduled start time.
Johnson (13-6 MMA, 1-2 BMMA) is coming off a massive upset victory at Bellator 239 in February. Taking on undefeated prospect Tyrell Fortune, Johnson pulled off a highlight-reel first-round knockout via punches.
Bellator 243 takes place Friday, Aug. 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card is expected to simulcast on DAZN and Paramount Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.
