The lightweight belt was on the line in tonight’s Bellator 212 main event as reigning division champion Brent Primus squared off with former title holder Michael Chandler.
Michael Chandler had previously surrendered his Bellator lightweight world title to Brent Primus in June of 2017, this after suffering a leg injury that resulted in an eventual TKO.
Chandler enters tonight’s rematch having reeled off two wins in a row, most recently submitting Brandon Girtz at Bellator 197.
Meanwhile, Brent Primus will compete for the first time since defeating Michael Chandler at Bellator NYC. The 33-year-old enters tonight’s title fight sporting a perfect professional record of 8-0.
Michael Chandler was able to find success early in the opening round, dropping Brent Primus with a left hand. After Primus quickly returned to his feet, Chandler utilized a ton of forward pressure to once again get inside position and reeled off yet another big punch, this time a right, that staggered Primus.
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Let's see that again, in instant replay! #BellatorSalutes pic.twitter.com/XoFUcQzwYy
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) December 15, 2018
Brent Primus would battle back in round two, dropping Chandler with a big punch early. From there, the undefeated champion looked to secure a rear-naked choke submission. However, Chandler was able to avoid that choke hold and ended up scrambling into top position where he closed out the round with some effective ground and pound.
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After finding success from the top in the late stages of round two, Michael Chandler would once again take the fight to the floor in round three. From there, the former champion frustrated Brent Primus with smothering top control as well as some ground and pound strikes.
Rounds four and five proved to be much like round three, as Michael Chandler once again easily managed to get Brent Primus down to the canvas where he controlled the round while executing some short strikes from top position.
Official Bellator 212 Result: Michael Chandler def. Brent Primus via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)