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Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler wants fight in early summer

Now healed from the undoubtedly grueling fight, the champ is ready to get back.

"Hopefully, late April or early May is what I would really like, and I'm definitely young and hungry and healthy," Chandler told MMAjunkie.com Radio (MMAjunkie.com Radio | MMAjunkie.com).

Chandler, who trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, defeated Alvarez at Bellator 58 this past November but has since stayed on the shelf.

Not surprisingly, Chandler believes "Pitbull" is a favorite for season six, along with Rick Hawn, who's a new addition to Bellator's lightweight class after an impressive run in the season-five welterweight tournament.

"I definitely think you've got to put him and Hawn as the two favorites, I would say," he said. "But it's definitely a tough field and I'm excited to see it unfold and whoever brings it the most, that is hopefully the guy I fight in September."

While the field is getting sorted out, Chandler's chances for staying active look good. Bellator officials today told MMAjunkie.com that he's likely to make a non-title appearance later in season six, though a date and opponent have yet to be determined.

Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler wants fight in early summer | MMAjunkie.com