Former Champ Michael Chandler Signs New, Multi-Fight Contract with Bellator MMA

Michael Chandler is staying with the promotion where he made his name.

The former lightweight champion has signed a new multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Chandler had been involved in a lengthy negotiation process with the California-based organization after completing his previous deal in April. Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a promotion official on Wednesday following an initial report from ESPN.com.

Chandler lost his lightweight belt at Bellator 180 after suffering a freak injury against Brent Primus. The 32-year-old has since rebounded to post back-to-back wins over Goiti Yamauchi and Brandon Girtz. Chandler has been fighting for Bellator since 2010 and has posted a 15-4 mark within the promotion.

"I'm happy that we were able t come to terms with Michael Chandler on a new fight contract," Coker told ESPN. "He's had a ton of great fights with us already, is a great representative for the brand and there's something to be said about him being with the Bellator family as long as he has.

"One day, Michael will be a part of Bellator's 'Mount Rushmore.' He is truly in the prime of his career, so now I look forward to sitting down with the team and putting together a plan for when fans can expect to see Michael in big fights soon.”