It’s not the title fight he was looking for, but former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will be back in the cage at Bellator LA.
Michael Chandler’s loss at Bellator NYC in June was both painful to watch, and inspiring. Sustaining a leg injury early in his fight against Brent Primus, the lightweight champion refused to go down. He was hobbled, limping, but still managed to score a knockdown on Primus despite the injury. Perhaps the lasting impression of the fight was after the cageside physician had called it off, handing Primus the win. Chandler, interviewed in the cage after, screamed ‘Cut it off! I’ll keep going!”
While early fears of a broken ankle proved unfounded, Chandler has been out ever since. Now, he’s got a return date, and it’s another big show. Bellator 192 will see the return of Michael Chandler, against the dangerous Goiti Yamauchi. Chandler made the announcement Friday via social media.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT: I’ll be fighting Goiti Yamauchi January 20th at #Bellator192 in #LosAngeles… https://t.co/BEWzNGVyng
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) November 17, 2017
The Bellator 192 card is set to be headlined by a welterweight title fight between champ Douglas Lima and top contender Rory MacDonald.
Prior to losing his belt to Primus, Chandler (16–4) had run up a four fight win streak, including wins over David ‘Caveman’ Rickels, Patricky Pitbull (to become a two-time lightweight champion), and Benson Henderson. Chandler’s pair of title fights against Eddie Alvarez remain some of the best in the division’s history.
Goiti Yamauchi (22–3), with Bellator since 2013, will be getting his toughest test to date in Chandler. The Japanese-born Brazilian is currently on a three fight win streak, capped by a submission victory over previously undefeated prospect Adam Piccolotti.
Bellator 192, a.k.a. Bellator LA, takes place January 20 at The Forum in Inglewood, just outside Los Angeles, CA.
