The rivalry between Michael Chandler and Will Brooks has been bubbling for two years now, ever since Brooks defeated Chandler to win the interim Bellator lightweight title in May 2014.
Chandler also lost the rematch for the vacant undisputed title, but always knew he would battle his way back to a title shot against Brooks and a chance to prove he was the best 155-pound fighter in the world.
He was half right. Chandler will fight for the Bellator lightweight title Friday at Dynamite 2 in St. Louis. It just won't be against Brooks, who signed with the UFC last week and left the title vacant.