Bellator 97 took place Wednesday night at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., just outside of Albuquerque. It proved to be one of the biggest nights in the company’s history. Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler , and welterweight titleholder Ben Askren both successfully defended their belts, while Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal won the promotion’s abbreviated Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament final. The promotion also announced its first pay-per-view offering would take place on Nov. 2 with for UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Tito Ortiz headlining. Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has been nothing short of spectacular since claiming the belt from Eddie Alvarez in late 2011. He added his third defense of the belt on Wednesday night, which was perhaps his most impressive finish yet
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