Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
In August, Michael Chandler fought the last fight of his Bellator MMA contract, knocking out former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at Bellator 243. After the win, Chandler entered free agency, where speculation ran rampant that the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion would finally make his move to the UFC. That speculation proved prescient as last month, Chandler officially signed with the UFC. But just because Chandler is no longer with his organization, doesn’t mean that Bellator CEO Scott Coker likes him any less.
Speaking with MMAJunkie recently, Coker addressed Chandler’s departure from Bellator, making it clear that he harbored no ill will for Chandler’s decision and that he thinks the move was the right one for both Chandler and Bellator right now.
“I personally really think he’s an amazing human being and a great family man,” Coker said. “He’s got great values and is a real martial artist. He exemplifies everything I love seeing in an athlete and saw when he represented our brand. … It was, ‘OK, we’re going to rebuild this 155-pound division. He has some great opportunities. Let’s let him go.’ At the end of the day, we could have matched it, to be honest. But I just felt like his destiny lies elsewhere.”
Chandler obviously agreed. At 34 years old, Chandler is, ostensibly, nearing the end of his prime and has already faced most of the top names in Bellator, many of them twice. The UFC offers him a wealth of new opportunities and the chance to, perhaps, prove that he is the best lightweight in the world, like Eddie Alvarez did before him. But though Chandler will be plying his trade in the sport’s premier organization for the next stretch, Coker says that he and Chandler already spoke about his eventual return to the promotion where he made his name.
“Michael has been the face of Bellator for the past 10 years, or his whole career, pretty much,” Coker said. “He’s had some of the most amazing battles in the history of Bellator.
“Michael and I talked about this. We said one day he’ll come back, and we’ll hang your poster up on the rafters, and maybe you’ll be the first person inducted into the Bellator Hall of Fame.”
There would be few fighters more deserving of such an honor as Chandler has been, arguably, the most important fighter in Bellator history. A three-time lightweight champion, Chandler also holds a number of records in the promotion, including stoppage wins and title bouts. In fact, it’s that excellent pedigree that earned Chandler special consideration when signing with the UFC. Despite having yet to even make his debut in the promotion, Chandler is serving as the backup to the lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, set to take place at UFC 254 later this month. And given the wealth of other options available to the UFC for such a position, Coker says that elevating Chandler to that role right out of the gate is a reflection of just how much the UFC respects the fighters in Bellator.
“He’s a guy I’m always going to support,” Coker said. “I’m going to watch all of his fights. And what does it say about the quality of fighters in Bellator when a guy like Michael Chandler leaves and gets put right into the immediate title shot conversation? Right? It shows you how great these fighters are over here.”
UFC 254 takes place Oct. 24 on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
MUST-READ STORIES
Plans. Khabib Nurmagomedov explains strategy to beat Justin Gaethje, reveals prediction for UFC 254 main event.
Civil. Eugene Bareman echoes Israel Adesanya’s call for harsher weight-miss penalties: ‘What’s going on is criminal’.
Genius. Darren Till offers up his services to corner Mike Perry against Robbie Lawler, Perry responds.
Trying. Leon Edwards calls out Gilbert Burns for No. 1 contender fight now that title bout delayed.
Stacked. ONE announces four world title fights for Oct. 30 show.
VIDEO STEW
The A-Side Live Chat.
5 Pride performances.
The top finishes of Michael Venom Page.
Filthy casual’s guide to Cory Sandhagen.
LISTEN UP
The Bash. Interviews with Brett Johns and Charlie Leary.
Fights Gone By. Jack Slack breaking down what happened at UFC Fight Island 4.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Khabib.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:38pm PDT
Kicking himself for not seeing the opportunity.
Has me thinking why did no one smarter than Mike Perry figure out how to sell the experience of being their corner for $$$ before? It is genius https://t.co/sUXfRrdt0R
— “Young Superstar” (@Benaskren) October 6, 2020
If I were to fight again how much would you pay to corner me?
— “Young Superstar” (@Benaskren) October 6, 2020
Getting testy.
I know you didn’t write this tweet so I’ll forgive you this time. I don’t get ring rust I’m a championship fighter that stays in the gym. You was knocked out cold one fight ago by a lightweight. fighting you right now does nothing for me. #respectfully
— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) October 6, 2020
I may be new to this but it’s definitely me…my tweet game is better than I though lol. Whelp I guess the gym is where you’ll be “staying”! Like you said “nobody” wants to fight you…except me but that ain’t good enough for ya. Maybe we’ll see you in 2021! #StruckANerve pic.twitter.com/fE47uNewd7
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 6, 2020
Stephen, I respect you as a fighter but your 2-3 in your last 5.
In the politest way possible just fuck off and fight Chimaev, good luck— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) October 6, 2020
Call out.
Dana offered you to fight me
Are you gonna fight or no? https://t.co/L3IyAS83Uc— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) October 6, 2020
And this is it, in its entirety.
Imagine if this guy kicked your ass.
I’d be mad too pic.twitter.com/R307FPsAEi— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 6, 2020
Not getting too focused on what he can’t control.
What will be, will be
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 6, 2020
Shade.
Welterweights top 10 guys out here not trying to fight each other . I’m out here trying to fight all of the top guys ! #Elevate
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 6, 2020
Patience is a virtue.
Gone up another spot to number 8, be number one contender in no time if I keep waiting
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) October 6, 2020
Phenomenal behind the scenes footage of Paul Felder when he cornered Jared Gordon on Fight Island.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ESPN MMA (@espnmma) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Zach Zane (14-9); Bellator 250, Oct. 29.
Cody Law (5-0) vs. Orlando Ortega (3-3); Bellator 250, Oct. 29.
Johnny Eblen (6-0) vs. Taylor Johnson (6-1); Bellator 250, Oct. 29.
Aung La Nsang (26-10) vs. Reinier de Ridder (12-0); ONE Championship, Oct. 30
Christian Lee (13-3) vs. Iuri Lapicus (14-0); ONE Championship, Oct. 30
Martin Nguyen (13-3) vs. Thanh Le (11-2); ONE Championship, Oct. 30
Jingnan Xiong (14-2) vs. Tiffany Teo (9-1); ONE Championship, Oct. 30
Alexander Hernandez (11-3) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (14-3); UFC Fight Night, Oct. 31.
Jeremy Stephens (28-18) vs. Arnold Allen (16-1); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Good guy Scott Coker, being a real fight promoter. Sometimes it’s shocking how different he and Dana are.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
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