Scott Coker isn't sure about free agent Michael Chandler re-signing with Bellator
Bellator president Scott Coker isn’t sure about Michael Chandler’s future with the promotion.
Coker doesn’t know if the former lightweight champion will re-sign with Bellator or find a new fighting home. Chandler (21-5 MMA, 18-5 BMMA) became a free agent after knocking out Benson Henderson in the main event of Bellator 243 earlier this month.
Coker told MMA Junkie on Thursday that he plans on talking with Chandler very soon.
“We’re in dialogue, and there will be a serious conversation probably this coming week, and we’ve been talking to Michael for a while,” Coker said. “He’s been wanting to test free agency, and look, free agency is a great opportunity for the fighters. I don’t even think Michael knows where he’ll end up at this point.
“If we sign him, I think we have some great fights ahead for him, and I’m sure he wants to fight ‘Pitbull’ (Patricio Freire) again, because that was a big win for ‘Pitbull.’ I think you’ll see a lot of 155 pounders come in our company and grow in our company. I see a lot of guys jumping from 145 to 155, and I think ‘Pitbull’ proved that to be effective. Free agency works both ways, but we love Michael Chandler. He’s been an ambassador for the company, and we’ll see what happens.”
Chandler, 34, has competed in Bellator for the majority of his professional career, with 23 of his 26 fightsin the company. Chandler held the Bellator lightweight title for three different reigns. He’s currently on a two-fight wining streak after losing the belt to Patricio ‘Pitbull.’