Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler stated earlier this week that he was close to a contract extension and Bellator officials announced on early Friday afternoon that the promotion has come to a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension with Chandler.
“Michael Chandler is synonymous with our brand and doubles as an incredibly talented and exciting mixed martial artist,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Not every fighter or free agent aligns with our future plans, but when looking at Chandler’s resume, inking him to a long-term extension was a no-brainer. I look forward to getting him back in action as soon as possible.”
Chandler (14-3) made his debut in Bellator back in 2010 and became the Bellator lightweight champion in 2011 when he defeated Eddie Alvarez by submission at Bellator 58. He would end up losing the title to Alvarez at Bellator 106 in 2013 and that would be the first of three straight defeats. The losing streak came to an end last year when he defeated Derek Campos by submission at Bellator 138 and he followed up that victory with a TKO win over David Rickels at Bellator 145.
With Chandler having a new Bellator contract, a fight announcement involving the former champion should be coming in the coming weeks.