Michael Chandler didn't need the judges to get involved in his highly anticipated rematch with Benson Henderson. He scored a first-round technical knockout in the main event of Bellator 243 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday.
The fight was almost four years in the making after Chandler edged Henderson via split decision to defend his title. This time, the former Bellator champion made sure there would be no controversy.
Henderson, 36, had won four in a row after losing to Chandler and Patricky Freire. His plans for a title opportunity went up in smoke when Chandler became the first fighter to knock him out in nearly six years.
A determined Henderson promised to KO Chandler, and the normally slow starter came out hot with an early commitment to the body that included kicks and hooks to the ribs. He impressed as each strike landed with bad intentions.
Chandler, though, made an adjustment and switched stances. The move paid off in a left cross that caught Henderson cleanly and sent the former UFC and WEC lightweight champion to the canvas. Chandler followed with a right hand to the forehead and then put Henderson away. The victory in just over two minutes was his second in a row after dropping the lightweight title to Patricio Freire in May 2019.
The 34-year-old Chandler made it clear that he wants to get back the title he held for the majority of his professional career. Could he become the first four-time champion in Bellator history? Time will tell.
In the co-main event, Tim Johnson took out Matt Mitrione with a first-round TKO.
Johnson got an immediate takedown from an unintentional head-butt and moved directly into side control. Given his considerable size, Mitrione was unable to shed Johnson's top game. It didn't take long for Johnson to find an opening to rain down punches once Mitrione gave up his back. With Mitrione's wrist in his grasp, Johnson unleashed a barrage of strikes that wore down his opponent down and caused the fight to be halted at the 3:14 mark.
Johnson, 35, has now won two in a row after losing his first two fights as a member of Bellator's roster. He ended his losing streak by stunning prospect Tyrell Fortune with a first-round knockout in February. He kept the momentum going with a dominant performance as a betting underdog against Mitrione, who has now lost three of his last four fights.
Bellator 243 results
Main card
- Michael Chandler def. Benson Henderson via 1st-round TKO (2:09)
- Timothy Johnson def. Matt Mitrione via 1st-round TKO (3:14)
- Myles Jury def. Georgi Karakhanyan via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
- Sabah Homasi def. Curtis Millender via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)