Bellator 58 Video: Michael Chandler Defeats Eddie Alvarez to Win Championship

In what will go down as one of the most thrilling fights of 2012, Michael Chandler (9-0 MMA, 6-0 BFC, 2-0 Strikeforce) submitted Eddie Alvarez (22-3 MMA, 6-1 BFC) to capture Bellator's 155-pound championship.

The main event championship bout took place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, live on MTV 2.

Chandler, who made his professional debut a mere 27 months ago, dominated Alvarez early with powerful punches and aggression.

The Xtreme Couture-trained lightweight utilized solid jab work and technique on the feet to out-strike Alvarez in the opening frame.

Alvarez responded in the second round and appeared to be more comfortable and had Chandler in trouble around the 3:00 mark in Round 3.

However, Chandler responded to vocal coach Gil Martinez and displayed the determination that has led him to an undefeated record.

Once in the first championship round of his young and impressive career, Chandler hit the former champion with a piston of a right hand at the 2:30 mark in Round 4.

Badly hurt by the punch, Alvarez dropped alongside the cage and Chandler's ground expertise proved too much for Alvarez to overcome.

Multiple Chandler strikes from top position softened Alvarez up and the former University of Missouri wrestler secured a fight-ending submission at 1:56 of the fourth round.

With the victory, Chandler deals Alvarez his first loss since 2008 and third of an eight-year career.

At this early stage in his career, Chandler becomes Bellator's lightweight king and at 25 years of age, the best has yet to come.

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