It took Michael Chandler only 44 seconds to KO David Rickels all of two years ago, so it was no surprise that the former lightweight champion was a heavy favorite to beat tonight's foe yet again. While Rickels was more competitive in this one than when they fought for the lightweight title, he still ended up on the wrong end of a stoppage defeat.
Chandler came out as the aggressor in round 1, backing Rickels up and firing heavy shots but not landing cleanly. He spent much of the round working from top position through 2 takedowns, but Rickels was able to get out of round 1 not too heavily damaged.