Henderson-Freire Winner at Bellator 160 to Receive Lightweight Title Shot

The winner of the lightweight clash between Benson Henderson and Patricio Freire at Bellator 160 will receive a future 155-pound title shot, promotion officials announced Thursday.

Henderson-Freire is the headliner of Bellator 160, which takes place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 26. The evening’s main card airs on Spike TV beginning at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. More bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Michael Chandler is the promotion’s current 155-pound champion after capturing the vacant strap with a brutal first-round knockout of Patricky Freire at Bellator 157 “Dynamite 2” on June 24. Shortly after his victory, Chandler exchanged words with Patricio, who was cageside cornering his brother.

Freire, a former featherweight champion, will move to 155 pounds to face Henderson. “Pitbull” last appeared at Bellator 153, choking out Henry Corrales in the second round.

Henderson received a welterweight title shot in his promotional debut and suffered a lopsided five-round loss to reigning champion Andrey Koreshkov. “Smooth” was a 155-pound titlist in the UFC and defended his crown against the likes of Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez.