Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson have been the consummate professional mixed martial artists for Bellator, with each touting a who's who of notable opponents over the years.
Now, the veterans are set to renew their rivalry, as they'll fight in the main event of Bellator 243 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday night. The winner will put himself in prime position to challenge Bellator lightweight champion Patricio Freire next.
After Bellator's original plan to have Chandler and Henderson scrap it out on June 6 was dashed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the fighters can't wait to step into the cage to see who reigns supreme. The two are far from strangers, as Chandler edged Henderson by a split decision to defend the lightweight title back at Bellator 165 in November 2016.
Since then, the 34-year-old three-time lightweight champ, Chandler (20-5), has gone 4-2 in the cage, defeating Sidney Outlaw via first-round KO (punches) in December to bounce back from dropping the lightweight strap to Freire by first-round TKO (punches) in May. Henderson (28-8) has posted a 4-1 record, having won four straight bouts, since losing to Chandler nearly four years ago. Henderson, 36, last defeated Myles Jury by unanimous decision in September.
With the urgency to get closer to a shot at Freire, will Chandler prove to have Henderson's number, or will "Smooth" avenge his loss to "Iron?"
Here's everything you need to know about Bellator 243.
When is Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2 at Bellator 243?
- Date: Friday, Aug. 7
- Prelims: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Main card: 10 p.m. ET
Bellator 243 takes place Friday night, Aug. 7. Prelims kick off at 7:15 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET. Chandler and Henderson are expected to make their walks to the cage at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET.
Chandler vs. Henderson 2 TV channel, live stream: How to watch Bellator 243
The Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson card is available on Paramount Network and DAZN in the United States. It is also available on DAZN in Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Japan.
DAZN is available via web browsers at DAZN.com as well as many mobile and TV streaming devices, including but limited to iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Playstation, Xbox, many smart TVs and more.
How much does Chandler vs. Henderson 2 cost?
In the United States, a subscription to DAZN costs $19.99 a month, or one can sign up for a year for $99.99. In Canada, the pricing options are $20 CAD monthly or $150 CAD per year. There is also a 30-day free trial in Canada.
Current subcribers can enjoy Bellator 243 as part of your plan.
DAZN subscribers can live stream the Chandler vs. Henderson card in addition to several other live events and original programming included in DAZN's multi-sport offering.
Viewers watching via Paramount in the U.S. can check if the network is part of their cable or satellite plan.
Where is Chandler vs. Henderson 2 taking place?
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson will take place at The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. Henderson has fought at the venue before, but this will mark Chandler's first time competing there.
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson fight card
Main card
- Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson; Lightweight
- Matt Mitrione vs. Timothy Johnson; Heavyweight
- Myles Jury vs. Georgi Karakhanyan; Lightweight
- Sabah Homasi vs. Curtis Millender; Contractweight at 175 pounds
Preliminary card
- Derek Campos vs. Adam Borics; Contractweight at 150 pounds
- Cris Lencioni vs. AJ Agazarm; Featherweight
- Nainoa Dung vs. Charlie Campbell; Lightweight
- Dalton Rosta vs. Mark Gardner; Middleweight
- Grant Neal vs. Hamza Salim; Light heavyweight
- Valerie Loureda vs. Tara Graff; Flyweight