It would seem like former Bellator MMA Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler’s time in Bellator could be coming to a close.
A report from Ariel Helwani of ESPN is stating that Chandler’s contract with the promotion is close to expiring. If it does expire, it would leave the lightweight star free to negotiate with whatever promotion he chooses to talk with.
Chandler said in April of this year that he has no intent on leaving the promotion when his contract expired, but that could change as other promotions send offers the former champions way.
The longtime Bellator star has been with the promotion for almost eight years, capturing the lightweight title twice by defeating Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 58 and then beating Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 157. Chandler is currently in the midst of a two fight winnings treak, with those victories coming over the duo of Goiti Yamauchi and Brandon Girtz.
If Chandler does indeed exit the promotion, it would mean that his victory over the aforementioned Brandon Girtz at Bellator 197 would serve as the former champions final bout in Bellator MMA. The last time Chandler fought outside of the Bellator auspices was a submission victory over Salvador Woods at Strikeforce: Heavyweight Artillery in May of 2010.
