Bellator champion Patricio Freire is happy Michael Chandler is sticking around the organization after it was announced Wednesday that the former lightweight titleholder had inked a new deal with the organization.

However, Freire (27-4 MMA, 15-4 BMMA) said it comes as no surprise. The reigning Bellator featherweight champ, who has been engaged in a war of words with Chandler (19-4 MMA, 15-4 BMMA) for several years now, didn’t believe there was any chance Chandler would move to the UFC, and he said he has a good reason.

“Pitbull” is of the belief that Chandler is a long-time user of performance-enhancing drugs. And since the UFC has the most rigorous drug-testing program in MMA due to its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Freire said teasing a move to the promotion wasn’t real.

“I’ve already said it before in interviews and tweeted about it: Chandler wasn’t going anywhere near USADA,” Freire told MMAjunkie. “He was just talking about the UFC as negotiation tactics. That guy is one of the biggest PED users in the sport.”

Freire, who has seen his older brother Patricky Freire (19-8 MMA, 12-7 BMMA) lose twice to Chandler, offered no evidence for his bold claims. Whether he truly believes his comments or is just using grabby statements to try and get a fight with Chandler is something only he knows, but there’s no doubt it’s a matchup he desires.

Freire, 31, and Chandler, 32, are currently tied for the most wins in Bellator history with 15. They’ve been circling each other for years, but the grudge match has never materialized. With Chandler now locked into a new Bellator deal for the foreseeable future, Freire said there are some fights to be made.

“I think it’s a good thing he stayed,” Freire said. “That way my brother can avenge his loss, and I can beat him up, too.”

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