Report: Chandler vs. Pitbull Headlines Bellator 221, McKee vs. Curran, Welterweight Grand Prix Bout & Jake Hager Also Set
The Bellator Lightweight Title is going to be on the line in the main event of Bellator 221 according to Ariel Helwani of ESPN as Michael Chandler defends the gold against Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Patricio Pitbull.
Chandler (19-4-0) is starting off his third reign as lightweight champion in this encounter, having beaten Brent Primus by decision at Bellator 212 to recapture the gold. Chandler had held the lightweight title twice before, defeating Eddie Alvarez and Patricky Freire to start both reigns. Chandler will enter the contest while in the midst of a three fight winning streak and he hasn’t suffered a defeat in almost two years.
Pitbull (28-4-0) is the current Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion, defeating Daniel Straus at Bellator 178 to start his second reign. Pitbull had also defeated Pat Curran at Bellator 123 to start the first reign with the gold, with Pitbull defending it twice before losing it. Pitbull will also enter the fight while riding a three bout winning streak and he hasn’t been defeated in over two years.
Helwani also reports that AJ McKee and Pat Curran, who were scheduled to headline Bellator 205 before Curran got injured, will also be a part of the card. Douglas Lima is also expected to face the winner of Paul Daley versus Michael Page, who are headlining this weekends Bellator 216 card, at this event. Also, former WWE star Jake Hager (aka Jack Swagger) is expected to compete as well, although no opponent has been named at this time.
Bellator 221 takes place on Saturday, May 11 from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois with Michael Chandler and Patricio Pitbull headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, while broadcast plans have yet to be announced.
