UFC
Eddie Alvarez makes second Bellator Lightweight Title defense against Michael Chandler at Bellator 54 on Oct. 15
Jul 28, 2011 - 6:15:17 PM Eddie Alvarez makes second Bellator Lightweight Title defense against Michael Chandler at Bellator 54 on Oct. 15

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will defend his title for just the second time this fall, as the organization announced on Thursday that he will take on season four lightweight tournament winner Michael Chandler at Bellator 54 on October 15.

The event will air live on MTV2 from the Boardwalk Hall Ballroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Alvarez last fought in April, where he made his first successful title defense against Pat Curran. His five round decision win marked his seventh straight, and the 27-year-old now holds a 22-2 overall career record.

"Fighting this close to home on this big of stage is awesome,” said Alvarez. "I've never lost a fight in the States, and I certainly don't plan on losing this one. I've never had this much time to prepare for a fight, and you're going to see that preparation on display October 15."

“I watched the Lightweight Tournament very closely, and was really impressed with a lot of the competition. Knowing that Chandler is my opponent, I've already gone back and started to watch film, and I'll be ready. He brings a really good pace, and it's going to be a great fight."

Chandler entered Bellator in non-tournament competition during their third season, and then ran his record to a perfect 8-0 with three wins during the season four tournament. After submitting Marcin Held in the opening round, Chandler took decision wins over Lloyd Woodard and Patricky Freire.

"Eddie is obviously a world class lightweight, but in a lot of the fights I have watched, no one has really pushed the pace against him," Chandler said. "I want to put him on his heels, and make him respond to what I'm doing in the cage. I've got a few months to prepare, and I'll be more than ready for October 15."

"Anyone that has heard me speak on the topic knows I feel Eddie Alvarez is the best lightweight in the world," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "With that said, Michael's tournament run was one of the most impressive displays I've seen from any fighter, and their title fight on October 15 should be an absolute war. As a fan of the sport, this is a fight I can't wait to see."