Eddie Alvarez: Michael Chandler doesn't know what MMA is

"I spent the last three and a half months convincing myself that Mike Chandler actually has a shot at beating me and I sincerely convince myself every training camp that whoever fights me, they have a shot, they have a sincere shot of beating me and dominating me and that is sort of what drives me every training camp to push as hard as I do.

(Chandler) is very used to dominating and very used to being in dominant position but he's yet to be in a fight. He hasn't been in a real fight. He doesn't know what MMA is. He don't know what a fight is. To deal with some serious adversity and have to bounce back." - For complete interview with Eddie Alvarez, visit MMAMania.com

Reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will put his title on the line when he meets Season 4 Tournament winner Michael Chandler at tomorrow night's Bellator 58 event from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Chandler, an undefeated prospect out of Xtreme Couture, has won eight consecutive bouts in his short professional career, including a victory over Patricky Freire in his most recent outing to earn a crack at the promotion's 155-pound strap. Despite his unblemished track record, however, Alvarez insists the former Mizzou wrestling stand-out has yet to be in a "real" fight.

Nevertheless, the champ says he's spent the last three and a half months "convincing himself that Chandler actually has a shot at beating him." But, what  do you think LowKick'ers? Has the challenger's victories under the Bellator banner been enough to pursuade you he has a chance, or is the idea of Chandler dethroning Alvarez simply too tough a sell?

Further Reading: LowKick.com Staff Predictions Special: UFC 139, M-1 Global, Bellator 58

Photo: Bellator.com