Bellator 106 Date: Long Beach Arena City: Long Beach, CA Lightweight title bout: Eddie Alvarez (+220) vs Michael Chandler (-260) Fight Breakdown: The main event for Bellator 106 will be for the Bellator lightweight title. It is a rematch between champion Michael Chandler and challenger Eddie Alvarez, the initial fight of which is the best fight in Bellator history, and arguably MMA history. Alvarez will be the underdog heading into the rematch at +220 ($100 to win $220), while Chandler is the favorite at -260 ($260 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. EDDIE ALVAREZ (24-3 MMA, 8-1 Bellator) is arguably the biggest star in Bellator history, having been with the promotion since Bellator 1 nearly five years ago, and being the only fighter Bellator went out of their way to keep from walking away. Now that The Silent Assassin’s UFC dreams are at the least put on hold, he looks to prove everybody wrong and avenge his loss against Chandler, which has been the only defeat he has had to swallow inside the Bellator cage. Alvarez is a very well-rounded mixed martial artist and is a threat regardless of where a fight takes place, be it on the feet or on the mat. Training out of the Blackzillians camp in Boca Raton, F.L., he has great conditioning and is ready to go hard for five rounds against the champion. MICHAEL CHANDLER (12-0 MMA, 9-0 Bellator) returns for his tenth Bellator fight and third Lightweight title defense. This will be his first defense against Alvarez, who is the man he initially defeated to gain the title. Chandler is one of the most talented fighters in all of mixed martial arts and would have a legitimate shot at being 155 Champion in the UFC. He is an NCAA Division I wrestler from the University of Missouri and currently trains out of Alliance MMA in San Diego, C.A. Chandler is very talented on the feet, as well as on the mat. He is an explosive fighter who possesses a good chin and is a heavy hitter with serious knockout power. Chandler has a solid right hook and a great overhand right. His striking defense is also great, as he displays excellent head movement. He is a well-conditioned athlete who is great at putting on the pressure, getting takedowns, transitioning, and doing damage in the ground-and-pound. Fight Prediction: I foresee a close, back and forth battle, similar to the first fight, but contrary to popular opinion, I think this one will make its way to the judges scorecards. Gabe’s Pick: Eddie Alvarez by Split-Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Over 3.5 rounds +110 and Eddie Alvarez +220, moderate value plays on both
