Michael “Iron” Chandler Jr., 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States recently redeemed the Bellator Lightweight World Championship from Brent Primus, 33, of Portland, Oregon, United States. The latter took to Instagram to congratulate the former.
On December 14, 2018, Primus and Chandler had their rematch in the main event of “Bellator 212” at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. After five five-minute rounds, referee raised the hand of the challenger, who was declared the winner via unanimous decision.
This is the third time Chandler won the Bellator Lightweight World Championship title. The first time he held the title was from November 19, 2011 to November 2, 2013.
Chandler was dethroned by Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA at “Bellator 106.” On August 19, 2014, the title was vacated by the latter, who eventually moved to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
On November 15, 2014, Chandler and then Bellator Interim Lightweight Champion Will “Ill Will” Brooks, 32, of Coconut Creek, Florida, USA competed for the undisputed Bellator Lightweight Championship belt in a rematch. The latter won via technical knockout via punches.
Brooks vacated the title on May 14, 2016 and eventually joined the UFC. On June 24, 2016, Chandler and Patricky “Pitbull” Freire, 32, of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil competed for the vacant title at “Bellator 157.”
For the second time, Chandler became the Bellator Lightweight World Champion. But on June 24, 2017, he lost the title to Primus at “Bellator 180.”
By defeating Primus at “Bellator 212,” Chandler improved his professional mixed martial arts record to 19 wins and 4 losses. On the other hand, Primus now has 8 wins and 1 loss.
Watch the “Bellator 212” fight highlights here:
CONAN Daily 