Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler took to social media and released an interestingly worded message to fight fans. The post comes right as Chandler is coming into free agency following his long tenure at Bellator MMA.
The staple Bellator fighter helped build the brand into the juggernaut that it is and holds multiple records within the promotion.
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Michael Chandler is fresh off a win against former UFC champion Benson Henderson that took place on August 7. He stopped the ever-durable Henderson via strikes early in the very first round.
His most recent victory will go a long way in helping him access his value on the open market during free agency.
Michael Chandler: A dangerous contender
Chiefly, the wording used in his social media post led to rampant speculation amongst the MMA community. It alluded to him looking to pursue arguably the toughest competition available in his weight class.
Moreover, the UFC undoubtedly fits this bill as it houses the most stacked 155-pound division on the planet.
The Lightweight roster is a shark-tank of combatants who have a storied history of putting on exceptional fights. The UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) has consolidated himself as ostensibly the best fighter in the sport. Not to mention, the murderous row of top fighters extends all the way down the rankings.
The UFC President Dana White touched on ‘Iron’ Chandler’s free agency when he spoke to the media following UFC 252. He expressed an interest in having a conversation with Michael and acknowledged his contribution to the sport as a whole.
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“I would love to meet with him, Yeah. The guy’s earned it, man. I would love to meet with him.”
The 21-5 fighter has certainly earned his stripes as he has fought the whos-who in MMA. With notable wins over Henderson, Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire, and Eddie Alvarez, he is a dangerous customer at 155-pounds.
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Moreover, Chandler has expressed an interest in fighting only the top-ranked fighters in the division.
The addition of the former Bellator champion to the roster would add a new dimension to an already exciting weight class. Fans of the sport eagerly await the news surrounding his next move in his professional career.