Benson Henderson | esther lin
Bellator 244: “Chandler vs. Henderson 2” was set to take place June 6, 2020, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. And while the prospect of seeing “Iron” Michael Chandler (20-5) and “Smooth” Benson Henderson (28-8) lock horns again was certainly intriguing, the current global pandemic made the possibility of that event going forward as scheduled doubtful.
They were actually set to do battle a second time in Japan in late 2019 until Henderson was forced to withdraw with an injury. This time the rematch falling apart is not the responsibility of either man. The prevailing circumstances have made it impossible to proceed, as Bellator MMA indicated in this statement to the press.
“Due to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as current federal, state and local government mandates, Bellator MMA officials today have announced that Bellator 244, originally scheduled to take place on June 6 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., has been postponed.”
The key word there is postponed. A future date has not been announced, but the idea of both men fighting in a rematch is one nobody involved is willing to give up on. Chandler eked out a split decision win after Henderson had a furious fifth round comeback, leaving each man feeling that the fight was far from settled by the scores of three judges.
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