Michael Chandler has designs on reclaiming the Bellator MMA lightweight throne for an unprecedented third time.
Chandler cleared his latest hurdle with room to spare, as he choked Brandon Girtz unconscious with a first-round arm-triangle in the Bellator 197 headliner on Friday at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. A replacement for injured Bellator lightweight champion Brent Primus, Girtz (15-8, 7-6 Bellator) passed out 4:00 into Round 1.
After a stalemate developed on the feet, Chandler (18-4, 15-4 Bellator) swooped in for a takedown, moved to the mounted crucifix position and softened the Trevor Wittman protégé with ground-and-pound.