Bellator Champ Michael Chandler Moves Camp from Xtreme Couture to Alliance MMA

It's been a rapid ascent to the top for Michael Chandler, who had barely been training in mixed martial arts for two years when he defeated Eddie Alvarez to capture the Bellator lightweight championship. It was a rise he credits mostly to his time at Xtreme Couture, the Las Vegas-based camp that has spawned many stars. But after nearly three years spent in the gambling capital of the world, Chandler has taken a risk of his own. It's rare for a champion to leave a camp; it's rarer still for someone unbeaten to move on, but it's a change he's decided to make.

Chandler has recently taken his perfect record to San Diego, where he has begun training with Alliance MMA, the home of UFC bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz, as well as notables including Phil Davis, Alexander Gustafsson and Brandon Vera.

The move came about two months ago, and while Chandler told MMA Fighting that it was a difficult decision to make, it's so far proven to be the right one.

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Honestly, I like the move. This will help his overall striking game.

Seems like the trend for known names leaving that camp lately.

I like it. Leaves good camp on good terms after learning a lot, finds a new atmosphere to keep his attitude positive and his batteries fresh. He'll no doubt see different challenges at Alliance - not necessarily better than what he'd get at Xtreme Couture, but additional looks and tools. If he can incorporate those into his existing game, he'll be doing what he needs to stay on top in Bellator and perhaps move on to the UFC.