Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Bellator Fights

1. Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez 1 | Bellator 58 (Nov. 19, 2011)

When one thinks of the greatest fight in MMA's majestic history, there is a short list of contenders. Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson, Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald 2 and the first fight between Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez. In fact, I will go as far as to say that there is no fight I can call clearly better than their amazing showdown. This was reflected in the Sherdog voting, as this was the unanimous No. 1 choice, something that had not occurred on these lists in a very long time. Other great Bellator fights may be composed of not just one, but two different compelling battles, so powerful are the ebbs and tides of combat. However, that number is four for Chandler-Alvarez, as each round is its own unique little masterpiece. Before delving into this, let's consider the circumstances. Both Chandler and Alvarez would go on to become all-time lightweight legends, and they were then in their physical primes, if not quite as skilled as they would later become. Both were outstanding wrestlers with good BJJ that had also developed excellent striking. Chandler was 25 years old and a perfect 8-0, having just scored a very impressive win over Patricky Freire in his last outing. Alvarez was 27 years old and already considered one of the very best lightweights in the world with a stellar record of 22-2. He also had a perfect record of 7-0 in Bellator at that point, six by stoppage, and was not only the lightweight champion, but the biggest star in the company. His showdown against Chandler, considered a very live dog, in the main event of Bellator 58 was the biggest fight the promotion had ever booked.

Incredibly, the match didn't just match expectations, but far exceeded them. The first round was the Chandler show. Chandler proved in that fight, as he would in many future ones, why he might be the greatest fighter in MMA history during the first round. His explosiveness is off the charts, a terrifying blend of speed, power, and accuracy. Right off the bat Chandler attacked like a wild berserker, hurting Alvarez badly and nearly knocking him out in the first 15 seconds of the contest. Alvarez briefly quelled the storm by landing a short right hook, but Chandler continued to wallop him, including lifting him up and slamming him to the canvas. Alvarez started doing better in the round, landing right hands, whether hooks or crosses, and evading Chandler's power punches. At one point he even got a takedown of his own and tried to jump onto the back, only for Chandler to easily buck him off. Alvarez continued to show his striking range though, including a fine leg kick and a nice knee to Chandler's chin. However, this was still Chandler's world. He landed several hard right crosses that hurt Alvarez and as the final seconds tick away in what color announcer Jimmy Smith had already called the round of the year, he elevated its reputation even further, blasting Alvarez with another right cross that caused his legs to give out, collapsing to the canvas. As the crowd went wild, Alvarez's legendary recuperative abilities allowed him to get up and return fire of his own as the bell sounded.

Round 2, by contrast, was a pitched battle. Both men landed huge blows of every variety. Early on, Chandler used his wrestling and proved he was far better at it than Alvarez, getting two takedowns, including a big slam. However, Alvarez was terrific in regaining his feet. Despite the very skillful striking battle that ensued, with nice movement and technical blows, they seemingly took turns delivering big strikes. First a left hook from Alvarez, then a powerful knee to the chin by Chandler. Alvarez got the last laugh, landing a big body kick and then a left uppercut as Smith correctly noted that Chandler was slowing down. Round 3 was Alvarez's world, as Chandler had slowed down, and the champion appeared to be on his way to winning a fantastic fight. Alvarez peppered Chandler with jabs and was able to defend against his aggression. Chandler landed occasionally, but it was the champion who was now winning the exchanges and also stuffing his foe's takedown attempts. Alvarez landed with a head kick, the same one that would render “Patricky Pitbull” unconscious, and then unleashed a barrage of punches as Chandler was against the fence as the crowd lost its mind. Chandler's chin might be fairly weak nowadays, but back then, it matched its owner's “Iron” nickname, withstanding a torrent of punishment. After eating an uppercut and his face a battered, bloody mess, Chandler was reduced to throwing a desperate double-leg shot, one that Alvarez easily defended. Once they separated, Alvarez went right back to ripping apart the challenger with one punch after another. Chandler's next desperation shot came with a minute left in the round, and he appeared to have no energy left. At that point, it was not even a question of whether Chandler could possibly win, but merely whether he could survive the round. He did survive, with Alvarez looking tired for the first time himself.

Round 4 was the miracle. With Chandler having just suffered a round that was at least a 10-8 for his opponent, and little energy remaining, how could he win? Amazingly, Chandler changed his style of fighting during the course of the match, now prioritizing defense and also picking his spots better with his punches. It worked, as he fought Alvarez on even terms in the striking, both men exchanging hard jabs. Chandler tried for a takedown, got it stuffed, but in recovering, nailed Alvarez with several effective lefts and rights. With Alvarez now stumbling backwards, looking tired and his face bruised and bloody too, Chandler cracked him with an overhand right that sent Alvarez to the canvas. Diving on his wounded prey, Chandler delivered vicious ground-and-pound in the form of punches and elbows to the face. As the champion covered up, Chandler showed great poise. He switched gears, using his BJJ to take side control, then get the knee on belly, and finally fully mount Alvarez. After being shellacked with a few big elbows, Alvarez gave up his back and Chandler pounced, locking in a tight RNC with a devastating squeeze. Alvarez tapped and fittingly, this timeless duel, contested mostly on the feet, ended with a submission on the ground. It's a sublime masterpiece that I expect MMA fans to revere for many decades to come. In fact, I don't know how it can be topped.