Michael Chandler: Is Eddie Alvarez Going To Come Back And Be The Same?
Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is on a roll, and he just keeps getting better. Last seen destroying David Rickels with a highlight reel knockout at Bellator 97, Chandler may be in for the fight of his life tonight.
Chandler will rematch the man he took the belt from when he squares off with Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 106. The undefeated Chandler is on top of his game, but it’s unknown if Alvarez is in the same spot after a lengthy contract dispute with Bellator.
Although Alvarez claims that he is a better fighter now, that remains to be seen. Chandler certainly hopes he gets the best version of Alvarez, telling MMA Junkie that a top-notch Alvarez is the best thing for his career:
“It’s definitely a test for him. Is he going to be able to come back and be the same Eddie? I’m hoping he is, because that’s the best thing for my career and everybody watching that night. We’ll see. He’s a great competitor. He knows how to prepare, he knows how to train, he’s been in this sport a decade now, so he’s coming for that belt. He wants it bad. You guys have heard it in the promos. I’m just believing that I want it more, and it’s going to take me getting completely knocked out or a limb breaking and the ref stopping the fight for the fight to be stopped on my part.”
Alvarez is undoubtedly one of the best lightweights in the world, but Chandler is beginning to make a case for being one of the top three. If he can get past Alvarez once again tonight, that case will only be furthered.
From the sound of things, Chandler will have to be carted out of the Long Beach Arena in order to lose. Alvarez has always shown up sharp and in shape to all of his Bellator fights, but is his opponent going to be too much when coupled with the long layoff? It’s will definitely be exciting to find out. Who do you have winning this pivotal lightweight title match?
