Bellator Signs Lightweight Prospect Michael Chandler

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From Sherdog.com:

Bellator Fighting Championships on Friday announced the acquisition of unbeaten lightweight prospect Michael Chandler.

The Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts representative joins a stable at 155 pounds that includes current champion Eddie Alvarez, Season 2 lightweight tournament winner Pat Curran and UFC veteran Roger Huerta.

“Chandler is a great signing for us at 155,” Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a release. “He has unlimited potential in the sport. I’m excited to see him progress as a fighter under the Bellator banner.”

Chandler wrestled collegiately at the University of Missouri, where he teamed with current Strikeforce welterweight contender Tyron Woodley and 2008 Olympian Ben Askren. The 24-year-old spent time at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., before he put down roots at Xtreme Couture. … read rest on Sherdog link.

It’ll be interesting to see how Chandler develops as a fighter, especially with Neil Melanson able to explain the submission game in wrestling terms as the head grappling (Catch Wrestling) coach at Xtreme Couture. Bellator seems like a good place for fighters to go and develop, although their champions clause might be a ceiling for a lot of careers.

After jump, videos of Chandler in amateur wrestling  competition and a short interview.

Wrestling Videos on Flowrestling