Michael Chandler gets a shot to regain his title back from current champion Brent Primus in April.
Chandler just won a dominant victory over Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 192 and the announcement of this fight came the following week. What was interesting is that Chandler made it clear during the final press conference leading up to his fight with Yamauchi that he was not interested in fighting Primus or for the belt:
"I don't really want the title shot. I want bigger fights, that man [Primus] part-time fighter and doesn't really deserve to step into the cage with me because it only brings his status up. I've been a staple here in this division for almost 10 years now. I think it's time I take bigger fights and calling out bigger names." -Chandler
Funny how after saying this, he got put in the rematch and it was announced at the very next event. Chandler has never been one to mince words or play games as he probably occupies the most space in Bellator's library of highlight fights but it does pose the question, did he say he didn't want to the rematch to ensure that he gets it?
There's a book by Neil Strauss called, The Game and it takes you inside the world of pick-up artists giving you techniques on how to win over women in when trying to pick them up. One of the techniques suggested in the book is called "negging". It's where you show disinterest in your target in order to make them want you more so that you get what the intended target by being around, but not really showing direct interest.
Now, I'm not saying this is what Chandler did because he is and has always been a top contender in Bellator for as long as he said in that press conference. But, it is a pretty smooth move either way and the second fight is likely not going to be as short as the first one.
Image: Bellator MMA