Michael Chandler, you have heard the name many times on Spike TV broadcasts. Chandler is one of the staples of the Bellator roster and one of its most consistent fighters. Most fans were first introduced him in his star creating performance against the then Bellator Champ Eddie Alvaraez (Now with the UFC), in a four round thriller. That night he would submit Alvarez, in what would be Alvarez's third loss ever and only his second ever submission defeat. After that fight his star was born, but his pace of success had started long before this back at Northwest High School. There Chandler would be a runner up in the state finals for the 152 LB weight class in Missouri.

Even being 2nd place in a state like Missouri does not immediately warrant call ups to Big 10 schools or scholarships. Chandler applied to The University of Missouri and was accepted. While no foreigner to the mats Chandler would still have to prove himself. As a walk on Chandler would red shirt and prove himself competing at multiple opens, to show the coaching staff he was capable and to the level they required. There was no doubt in anyone's mind if he could hang, but could he be their best man? He showed he was at the weight class of 157 lbs. by a large margin.

He proved himself.

In his redshirt season, Chandler would amass a solid, but unassuming record of 20 wins 14 losses. While this warranted a chance to compete with the University, Chandler had to do more to take the starting position. That next year Chandler would dominate, being the first Mizzou redshirt freshmen since Ben Askeren (another Bellator champ Alumnus) to qualify for the NCAA's. Fighting his way through the tournament and that season, Chandler would come up just short of All-American honors ending with 1 win and 2 losses against three of the top six ranked wrestlers in the NCAA's that year.

The following 2006-2007 season was a successful one for Chandler, but left much to be desired. Chandler would receive automatic placement at the NCAA's this year with a big third place win at the big 12 championships. This would set the pace for a tough year of competition. While Chandler would also fall to the likes of touted wrestler Bubba Jenkins (Bellator Alumnus) he would come back, placing well at several tournaments, including his wins at the Cliff Keen Dual against #3 ranked Oklahoma. Chandler would lead his team to a 27 to 9 victory over the favorites.

The gradual growth.

The following season, Chandler would reach the furthest he had yet in the NCAA's. This time reaching the quarter finals, but with no consolation matches to place for All-American honors. While big wins, and some substantial defeats it was a clear transitional period with stars like Bubba Jenkins, Cyler Sanderson (yes Cael Sanderson's little brother) and Michael Poeta all in his weight class. This was a big season for Chandler he inched closer and proved himself once again elite among his camp.

This year he would struggle with former NCAA champ Jordan Leen again but would have one of the most epic scrambles ever at their Dual in Cornell. Here is that match:

Michael Chandler NCAA Wrestling Nationals, Session Four. Scottrade Center - St. Louis, Mo. March 20, 2009. Joel Kavasky

The big year.

The toughest year of Chandler's career was also his most successful. As a senior Chandler would enter the NCAA championship ranked #6, compiling a record of 27 wins and 6 losses. In his first match he would face un-ranked Kurt Kisner from Indiana winning 4 to 3. In his following match Chandler would face the fierce Cal Poly Product, Chase Pami winning by a dominating score of 6 to 0. There Chandler would meet #3 ranked Jordan Leen out of the respected Cornell University.

Here is that match:

These two men had a mass amount of epic battles between them, and this one was tight until the final bell. Chandler loses out on hopes of becoming an NCAA champion, but guarantees his spot as an All-American that night.

Over the years Chandler proved time and time again, his wrestling transitioned better than most with his explosive shots, incredible scrambling, and unwillingness to quit. All Mizzou tigers should be proud to call him their own. Born, bred, and raised on the land, Chandler is a fine example of what a walk on can become with hard work and determination, A champion. Tomorrow evening we will see Michael Chandler again fight for the Bellator Lightweight title against Will Brooks. A rematch and a guaranteed exciting affair.

Tune in to Spike TV to Check out Michael Chandler fight for the belt!

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Cheers.