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4. Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez
Bellator 58
Nov. 19, 2011 | Hollywood, Florida
For more than 18 minutes, Chandler and Alvarez went at one another, each man equally unwilling to yield. It remains the best fight in Bellator MMA history in the minds of many.

Chandler submitted Alvarez with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in the Bellator 58 main event to capture the promotion’s lightweight championship in dramatic and emphatic fashion at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Both men were pushed to the brink across three grueling rounds, setting the stage for a remarkable finish.

Somehow, Chandler emerged for Round 4 re-energized. After re-establishing his jab and wobbling Alvarez with a stout right hand, he followed with a well-timed shot. The champion lost his balance and Chandler began to pound and pass. In what can only be described as a last-ditch effort at self-preservation, Alvarez surrendered his back. Chandler sank both hooks and flattened out his fading opponent. A deep rear-naked choke came next, and Alvarez tapped out almost immediately, the end coming 3:06 into the fourth frame.

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