A victorious Alvarez (photo courtesy Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Will Brooks may have upset Michael Chandler to secure Bellator’s interim lightweight title, but it looks as though the rising fighter isn’t guaranteed the next shot at reigning champ Eddie Alvarez.

Brooks was tapped to face Chandler not long ago, after Alvarez was forced to withdraw from a third fight with the former champ, due to a concussion. While Brooks’ win Saturday would appear to have derailed the prospect of Alvarez-Chandler III happening anytime soon, apparently Alvarez can contractually demand the bout.

According to a report from MMA Junkie.com, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney revealed after Saturday’s card that Alvarez has the contractual right to ask for another fight with Chandler. The stipulation is part of the contract Alvarez ended up signing with Bellator, after he was offered a deal from the UFC in 2013.

Now it remains to be seen when Alvarez can return to fight again, and whether he elects to face Chandler or Brooks. Alvarez reclaimed Bellator’s lightweight title last November by earning a split decision win over Chandler, in what was another instant classic.

Brooks defeated Chandler by split decision at Bellator 120, which went down in Southaven, Mississippi.