Bellator
Michael Chandler tells Eddie Alvarez it was "an honor" to fight twice, Alvarez says they "brought the best" out of each other
Aug 20, 2014 - 10:40:19 PM Michael Chandler tells Eddie Alvarez it was "an honor" to fight twice, Alvarez says they "brought the best" out of each other

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Eddie Alvarez's exit from Bellator and quick entrance to the UFC has put a significant delay on a rubber match between he and Michael Chandler, which is unlikely now to happen anywhere but in the UFC.

However, while they may not get a chance to settle things once and for all, they're parting ways with a mutual respect, and that was clear in their exchange on Twitter Tuesday following the announcement of Alvarez's signing with the UFC.

I wish you nothing but the best @EAlvarezFight . It was an honor to lock horns with you twice. Go get it man.

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) August 20, 2014

@MikeChandlerMMA I feel the same brother , brought the best outta each other , ill save the date 4 the future Go get that belt back ! Ousss

— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) August 20, 2014

Alvarez makes his UFC debut on Sept. 27 at UFC 178, where he'll take on Donald Cerrone in the pay-per-view card's co-main event.

Penick's Analysis: It's certainly a bit of a downer that injury delayed Alvarez-Chandler III, but if Chandler works in another run over the course of the rest of his Bellator deal and makes his way to the UFC, perhaps we can see it play out in 2017. Regardless, they put forth the two best fights in Bellator's history, and it's great to see them going their separate ways with a mutual respect for what those fights meant for each of them.