Former Bellator MMA lightweight champion Michael Chandler could be a free agent very shortly.
According to a report by ESPN, Chandler’s contract with Bellator is due to expire “imminently.” The exact date is unknown, but it is expected to happen soon. As arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator history, Chandler would be a huge loss for the promotion.
Luckily for Bellator, negotiations for a new contract have already begun. Chandler is open to sinking his teeth into free agency, but the 32-year-old would also like to stay with the organization he has called home since 2010.
If Bellator ended up losing out on Chandler, it’s highly likely that we’d see Chandler shifting over to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Fight fans have long imagined a world in which Chandler was competing inside of the Octagon. A contractual fallout between Chandler and Bellator now could eventually lead to that scenario.
Chandler has resigned with the promotion once before so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he stayed right where he is. But without a belt wrapped around his waist — Chandler lost his 155-pound title to Brent Primus last year — it may be easier for Chandler to walk away this time around.
We shall see what Chandler does heading into the second half of 2018. Whether it’s Bellator or UFC, you better believe the veteran contender will be on the hunt for gold.