Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has signed a contract extension with the promotion as he has signed an eight fight extension.
Bellator announced the contract extension in a press release after it was reported by various media outlets.
“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) entered Bellator in 2010 after having two fights in Strikeforce and won the lightweight tournament in 2011. He considers Bellator is home and it’s where he wants to be.
“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.”
This contract extension comes six days before his next title defense as he will be challenged by season eight tournament winner David Rickels in the main event of Bellator 97 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.