Michael Chandler faces Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire for vacant Bellator lightweight title

Bellator has just announced that Michael Chandler (14-3) will face Patricky "Pitbull" Freire (15-7) for the lightweight title that was just vacated earlier Saturday when champion Will Brooks was released from his contract.

The fight was announced for June 24 in St. Louis, where Chandler is a local favorite.

Chandler and Freire fought once before as Chandler won via decision on May 14, 2011 in Atlantic City.

Lightweight is Bellator's deepest division with fighters like Josh Thomson, Marcin Held, Dave Jansen and likely Benson Henderson as part of the ranks.

The fight was announced during the promotion's show in San Jose.