Michael Chandler (Photo/Bellator)Sherdog.com reported, "It did not last long, as Chandler bailed on a few takedown attempts before settling in on his feet. The 30-year-old NCAA All-American wrestler feigned a left jab and fired a right cross behind it, connecting square on the chin. The crushing blow sent an unconscious 'Pitbull' crashing to the canvas, where no follow-up strikes were necessary."
Chandler celebrated in front of his hometown fans by jumping to the top of the cage, then doing a back flip in the center of it before climbing the fence twice more.
It was a rematch for Chandler and Freier, as the two had met just over five years ago, with the former Mizzou mat star winning by unanimous decision. In November 2011, Chandler won the Bellator lightweight title from Eddie Alvarez ... only to lose it to Alvarez two years later at Bellator 106.
With the win, Chandler not only earns the Bellator lightweight crown, but also improves to 14-3, while Freier falls to 16-8.
Prior to launching his pro mixed martial arts career in August 2009, Chandler made a name for himself on the wrestling mats of the Show-Me State, first in high school as a Missouri state championships finalist, then at University of Missouri. Wrestling for the Mizzou Tigers, Chandler was a two-time Big 12 championships finalist and four-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships qualifier, earning All-American honors by placing fifth in the 157-pound bracket at the 2009 NCAAs in the same arena as Friday's title fight.
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