7. Michael Chandler
A true homegrown talent, Chandler was a promising but unproven 3-0 prospect when he first set foot in the Bellator cage. He has since blossomed into one of its top stars. The first of two lightweight title reigns for the High Ridge, Missouri, native lasted 715 days, from Nov. 19, 2011 to Nov. 2, 2013. Chandler won a Season 4 tournament to secure his shot at the championship and then dethroned Eddie Alvarez with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a “Fight of the Year” contender at Bellator 58. He retained his title with decisive victories over Rick Hawn and David Rickels before losing a split decision to Alvarez in their Bellator 106 rematch. Chandler has since reclaimed the 155-pound belt and finds himself in the midst of as 355-day reign atop the division that includes a win over former UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting champion Benson Henderson.
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