Michael Chandler vs Ben Henderson 2 set for Bellator 244

The rematch between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson is officially set for Bellator 244 on June 6. Bellator announced the fight during their Spring and Summer press conference. The fight was originally supposed to happen at Bellator 237 on December 29, 2019, but Henderson had to pull out of the fight due to injury. Chandler won the first fight by split decision at Bellator 165 on November 19, 2016.

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Drilling a simple combination until it is engrained in your muscle memory. – All too often in combat sports we see the flashy fighters get a flashy knockout and think we have to expand our martial arts tool box. While it’s always good to desire growth, you can trick yourself into thinking growth is the only answer. In my martial arts journey it’s been more about fine tuning and sharpening the basics than it has been expanding my arsenal of weapons. Growth doesn’t always mean MORE…growth can also mean being sharper with what you already have. – The basics will always win: speed, accuracy, timing, strength, cardio and poise. – Seek out coaches who’s main focus is on basic techniques and the health of the mind – these are the most important things in combat sports. – Stay dangerous. – See you at the top!

A post shared by Michael Chandler (@mikechandlermma) on Feb 20, 2020 at 4:27am PST

Chandler is looking to finish his rivalry with Henderson and back in the title picture in the lightweight division. Chandler lost the lightweight champion to Patrício Freire by TKO at Bellator 221 on May 11, 2019. Chandler would bounce back with a win over Sidney Outlaw by knockout at Bellator 237. Freire has yet to defend the lightweight championship and is currently in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix. Bellator has yet to make an announcement on what they will do with the championship. If Chandler defeats Henderson, it can set up a rematch with Freire for the lightweight championship or be the number one contender.

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Aut viam inveniam aut faciam… #TheOnceAndFutureKing #OutworkEverybody #ManOnFire #Bellator208

A post shared by TheOnceAndFutureKing🇺🇸🇰🇷 (@bensonhenderson) on Sep 5, 2018 at 3:31am PDT

Henderson is looking to continue his winning streak with a win over Chandler. Henderson is on a four-fight win streak, with his last win being against Myles Jury by decision at Bellator 227 on September 27, 2019. Before his loss to Chandler at Bellator 165, Henderson defeated Freire by TKO at Bellator 160. If Henderson can defeat Chandler, Henderson could also be in line for a rematch against Freire or the number one contender.

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Bellator is headed back to the Windy City. @MikeChandlerMMA and @BensonHenderson will run it back while @TheWolfMMA and @AJMcKee101 will square off in a Featherweight World Grand Prix semifinal matchup. #FeatherweightWGP #Bellator244

A post shared by Bellator MMA (@bellatormma) on Mar 9, 2020 at 4:34pm PDT

As of now, Chandler vs Henderson 2 will be the main event of Bellator 246. The co-main event will be a Semi-Finals Featherweight Grand Prix matchup between Darrion Caldwell and AJ McKee. The undefeated (16-0) McKee defeat Derek Campos by submission at December 21, 2019, to advance in the tournament. Caldwell defeated Adam Borics by submission at Bellator 238 on January 25 to advance in the tournament.

Bellator 246 is still being developed and no other fights have been announced. Tickets have yet to go on sale for the event.