Chandler vs. Henderson 2 set for Bellator card on August 7th

This is the third attempt at making the rematch happen between the two lightweights.

Bellator MMA’s return to action is just around the corner.

Following an initial report from Combate, MMA Fighting says that a lightweight clash between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson is on tap for August 7th. This is the third time in less than a year that this bout has been booked.

Chandler (20-5) is one of Bellator’s greatest ever champions, winning the 155 lbs title on three occasions and successfully defending the belt three times. The Missouri native lost his lightweight title to Patricio Freire by first-round TKO in June of 2019, immediately ceding his crown after winning it back from Brent Primus. Chandler returned to the win column with a brutal KO of Sidney Outlaw at Bellator Japan later that December.

Henderson (28-8) was actually supposed to fight Chandler on that Japan show but withdrew due to injury. The former UFC and WEC lightweight champion is on a four-fight winning streak, notably beating Myles Jury and Roger Huerta along the way. Henderson has twice challenged for Bellator gold, losing a wide decision to Andrey Koreshkov at welterweight, followed by dropping a split decision to Chandler at lightweight.

Bellator has not run an event since February 22nd. Chandler-Henderson 2 was slated for June before the coronavirus pandemic nixed those plans. It is expected that Bellator’s return will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

Also reported by Combate is a July 24th clash between bantamweights Sergio Pettis and Ricky Bandejas.