Bellator 243 “Chandler vs. Henderson 2” takes place TONIGHT (Aug. 7, 2020) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET and simulcasts on Paramount Network and DAZN (get it HERE). Michael Chandler (20-5) and Ben Henderson (28-8) will settle a four year old grudge in the night’s main event.
There is however some big news for Bellator MMA that might upstage them a little bit, particularly if “Overtime” Corey Anderson shows up on the live broadcast. For more on that let’s turn for a moment to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
Corey Anderson has signed with Bellator.
Anderson, who was not a free agent, recently asked for his release from the promotion and was granted it, according to sources. He still had multiple fights left on his deal, sources say. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Bellator.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 7, 2020
As of this writing Anderson is still ranked No. 4 in UFC’s Light Heavyweight division. He was on a four fight win streak and seemed to be nearing title contention until he was knocked out in the first round in a rematch with Jan Blachowicz in February. He hasn’t fought since.
Even before requesting his release, Anderson’s frustrations with the UFC (and Jon Jones in particular) were no secret, nor was his health scare after the devastating Blachowicz KO. Choose any reason you like for his extended layoff — the global pandemic, concerns about him fighting again, or a tense relationship with Dana White. Whatever the case may be he seems ready to start over again under a new organization’s umbrella.
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