Lightweight champion Michael Chandler rebuffed Benson Henderson’s second attempt at a Bellator belt on Saturday at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.
In the Bellator 165 headliner, Chandler nearly made it a quick fight, rocking Henderson with several right hands and landing a suplex that would have left most men unconscious. He continued attacking with various submission attempts and staggering uppercuts, but Henderson displayed an otherworldly heart, and chin, to survive the round.
There were some good exchanges in the second round, but it was close. Chandler appeared to edge it out, particularly late in the round when he was most effective.
Rounds three and four were close with Henderson trying to get things going more to his favor, but having to battle Chandler’s wrestling, which he was using to control position. Henderson, however, kept fighting, not allowing Chandler to simply