Bellator 237: Michael Chandler Says Trilogy Fight With Eddie Alvarez “Has to Happen”

Michael Chandler has feuded with the Freire brothers the last couple of years, and was taken out by Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in his last outing. But, Bellator’s former lightweight champ says a third showdown with Eddie Alvarez is the fight that needs to happen before he walks away from the game.

Chandler comments on loss to Patricio, trilogy fight with Alvarez

Chandler’s third reign as Bellator’s lightweight champ came to an end in May, as Patricio took him out with a flurry of punches in the opening round. Chandler and Patricio had exchanged plenty of words prior to the bout, on account of a beef that grew, after the American brutally KO’d Patricky Freire in 2016.

Well, in advance of Chandler’s bout tonight with Sidney Outlaw, he was asked to comment on his loss to Freire, and the possibility of facing “Pitbull” again. The accomplished wrestler said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“I zigged when I should have zagged,” Chandler said. “That’s the beauty of this sport. I’ve knocked out guys just like that. Caught them with the first punch and boom fight is over before it even started. I was able to enjoy that. I was able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

“I’ve always said I’m not necessarily the guy who wants revenge or wants that fight back. Patricio’s doing his thing. I wish him best of luck in the tournament. I think he’s going to get beat up by my boy Adam Borics but we’ll see what happens.

“The only fight I’ve ever wanted another crack at was that Eddie Alvarez fight. That’s a fight the fans want to see. That’s a trilogy that needs to happen. That’s the only fight I’ve ever really wanted back. Patricio can do his thing.”

Now, if you haven’t followed Bellator over the years, you may not know that Chandler and Alvarez went to war in 2011 and 2013. Chandler won the first bout via fourth-round submission, but lost the rematch by split decision. So, there’s no question there’s an interesting storyline there, in terms of putting together a rubber match.

But, will it happen? It’s hard to say. Currently, Alvarez is signed to ONE Championship, and Bellator has been cross-promoting with RIZIN. So, as it stands right now, it’s hard to imagine Alvarez – Chandler III happening unless Alvarez moves on from ONE.

Bellator 237 line-up

Here is the line-up for Bellator 237, which will go down in Saitama, Japan. The card will be broadcast tonight at 10 PM/ET – 7 PM/PT on DAZN and the Paramount Network.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. “Rampage” Jackson
Michael Chandler vs. Sidney Outlaw
Lorenz Larkin vs. Keita Nakamura
Ilara Joanne vs. Kana Watanabe
Goiti Yamauchi vs. Daron Cruickshank
Michael Page vs. Shinsho Anzai