Michael Chandler wins Bellator lightweight title with hellacious KO

With one devastating punch, Michael Chandler reclaimed the title that he lost over two years ago.

If Chandler was frustrated by the chase, he let it all out on opponent Patricky "Pitbull" Freire in their battle for the vacant lightweight championship at Bellator 157 in St. Louis on Friday.

Chandler, who hails from nearby High Ridge, Mo., wasted little time closing the distance between himself and Freire. He established an effective jab that set Freire up for the overhand right that ended the fight at the 2:14 mark of the first round.

It was the second Bellator title win for Chandler, who reigned as the organization's 155-pound champ from 2011-2013. He lost the belt to Eddie Alvarez in November 2013, then failed to capitalize in two opportunities against Will Brooks.

Bellator cut ties with Brooks this past May, leaving Chandler and Freire to battle over a vacant title.

It was the third straight win for Chandler. He becomes the fifth two-time Bellator champion since the promotion's inception in 2008.