Michael Chandler-David Rickels Rematch Set for Bellator 145 in St. Louis

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Michael Chandler will square off with David Rickels in a rematch of a 2013 title bout at Bellator 145.

Promotion officials announced the lightweight clash on Tuesday. Bellator 145 “Vengeance” is the organization’s next scheduled tent-pole event and takes place at Scottrade Center in St. Louis on Nov. 6. The card features a pair of title tilts, as Patricio Freire defends the featherweight strap in a rematch against Daniel Straus, while Will Brooks puts his lightweight championship on the line vs. Marcin Held.

Chandler-Rickels will be part of the main card, which airs on Spike TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The promotion also announced three preliminary bouts on Tuesday: Vince Eazelle vs. Chris Heatherly, Scott Ettling vs. Garrett Mueller and Garrett Gross vs. Luke Nelson.

Chandler dispatched Rickels in just 44 seconds in a 155-pound title defense at Bellator 97. After that victory, the Missouri native lost three straight contests, falling to Eddie Alvarez and Will Brooks (twice). He returned to the win column on June 19, submitting Derek Campos in the first round at Bellator 138.

Rickels has been victorious in two of his last four Bellator appearances since falling to Chandler. That record would likely be better had “The Caveman” not landed an illegal knee against John Alessio in his most recent outing at Bellator 139. Prior to the foul, Rickels was in complete control and looked to be in his way to a stoppage; instead, the bout was ruled a no contest.