Today Bellator MMA announced that they have signed their former lightweight champion to a new multi-fight, multi-year contract.

Michael Chandler signs multi-fight, multi-year contract extension with Bellator

“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 was also more than happy with the extension, stating: “I’m ecstatic to continue my career with Scott Coker and Bellator MMA. It’s obvious that good things are continuing to happen for this promotion and it’s correlating to big opportunities for myself as well,” Chandler said. “I can’t wait to get back in action and test myself against some of these new guys coming in and move back up through the ranks. As always, my eyes are on that belt, and it will be back around my waist soon.”

Chandler has been a main-stay in the promotion since 2010 when he debuted at Bellator 31 following two fights in Strikeforce.

Some of the best fights in the promotions history have Chandler’s name attached to them, including two bouts each with both current champion ‘Ill’ Will Brooks and current UFC top-five lightweight and former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez.

Chandler’s long list of notable victories inside of the Bellator cage include stoppages over Marcin Held, Eddie Alvarez, Akihiro Gono, Rick Hawn, David Rickels (2x) and Derek Campos. As well as besting Patricky ‘Pitbull’ and Lloyd Woodard by unanimous decision.

Chandler remains on a lightweight roster that includes names like kingpin Will Brooks, Josh Thomson, Melvin Guillard, Brandon Girtz, Patricky Pitbull and even future welterweight title challenger and former UFC and WEC lightweight king Benson Henderson, among others.

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