A rematch between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson will serve as the co-main event to Bellator: Japan later this year.
The two will collide on December 29 from the Saitama Super Arena live on Paramount Network. The card will air in the U.S. on December 28 beginning at 10 p.m. ET.
Fedor Emelianenko and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson are scheduled to headline the event. RIZIN will be co-promoting the card.
One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Chandler steps back into the cage for the second time in 2019 in a rematch against former UFC and WEC champion Henderson. With 14 of Chandler’s 19 career victories coming by way of finish, Chandler is tied for most finishes in company history.
SEE YOU IN TOKYO… #BellatorJapan pic.twitter.com/7VL0HZOZyT
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) October 26, 2019
Bellator 165 Recap Featuring Michael Chandler, Benson Henderson
In addition to previously defeating Henderson, “Iron” Mike has beaten a who’s who among the division’s elite, including victories over Eddie Alvarez, Goiti Yamauchi, Patricky Pitbull (2x) and Brent Primus.
With wins in three of his last four outings, the three-time Bellator champion looks to regain pole position in the race to reclaim Bellator’s lightweight crown.
.@BensonHenderson is not a fan of the entertainment era in MMA:
"I rather be a part of the pure martial arts aspect of competition."
Watch full interview: https://t.co/zlwsgRhoyb #BellatorDublin pic.twitter.com/saYN4F3aFE
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) September 26, 2019
Henderson will look to redeem his 2016 razor-thin split decision loss to Chandler and continue an impressive four-fight winning streak that has put him into contention for his second Bellator lightweight title shot since signing with the promotion three years ago.
With a resume that includes victories over Nate Diaz, Myles Jury, Donald Cerrone (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Jorge Masvidal and incumbent lightweight champion Patricio “Pitbull,” the MMA Lab-product in Arizona has his sights set on a rematch with the aforementioned “Pitbull,” but this time with Bellator gold on the line.
Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage Fight Card
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13)
160-Pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: Michael Chandler (19-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8)