This past Friday night, former Bellator Lightweight World Champion Michael Chandler pulled off an amazing first-round knockout win over former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. This is the first time that Henderson has lost via knockout in Bellator MMA. In fact, Henderson's last knockout loss came from Rafael dos Anjos in August 2014.
This match-up was Chandler’s last contracted fight in Bellator MMA, and while the 34-year-old hasn’t ruled out returning to the promotion down the line, he’s going to be testing out the free market agency (Transcript courtesy of MMA Fighting):
“I’m excited about the possibilities,” Chandler said. “We know all my different possibilities. Fighting in the UFC and fighting [Justin] Gaethje and I know I could be the guy that could go out there and beat Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. Fighting a Conor [McGregor], fighting these guys.
“Then there’s the possibility of finishing the trilogy with Eddie [Alvarez]. ONE FC is doing some amazing stuff. They’re coming back and growing and putting on great shows. Then you’ve got the PFL tournament where you win a million dollars fighting in a tournament. There’s a lot of awesome possibilities but it doesn’t change the fact that the main focus of my life right now is staying healthy to get to Aug. 7 and then putting on a great performance just like I always do.”
In the co-main event, Timothy Johnson extended his winning streak by beating veteran Matt Mitirione in a first-round knockout as well. The former UFC star now owns two consecutive victories for the first time in his Bellator MMA career.
Check out the full results below of Bellator 243:
Main Card (Paramount Network/DAZN)
Michael Chandler def. Benson Henderson via KO (punches) – R1, 2:09
Timothy Johnson def. Matt Mitrione via TKO (punches) – R1, 3:14
Myles Jury def. Georgi Karakhanyan via split decision
Sabah Homasi def. Curtis Millender via unanimous decision
Prelims
Adam Borics def. Mike Hamel via split decision
Cris Lencioni def. A.J. Azazarm via unanimous decision
Valerie Loureda def. Tara Graff via KO (punches) – R2, 5:00
Grant Neal def. Hamza Salim via unanimous decision
Charlie Campbell def. Nainoa Dung via TKO (leg kicks) – R2, 1:42
Dalton Rosta def. Mark Garnder via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – R1, 5:00