Sonnen wins Bellator heavyweight tournament opener over Jackson by decision

Chael Sonnen defeated Rampage Jackson in the opening fight of the Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Bellator 192.

He moves on to fight the winner of Fedor Emelianenko and Frank Mir's bout scheduled for April.

Neither fighter landed much damage in the opening round. Jackson picked up Sonnen and dumped him on the mat, but the veteran shook it off and was able to eventually knock down his opponent. Sonnen attempted a rear-naked choke and guillotine as the clock ticked down, but Jackson was saved by the bell.

Sonnen locked up Jackson and pushed him against the fence to open the second round before taking him down the mat 90 seconds in. Sonnen kept his position on top and worked hard to lock his opponent into an armbar, but could do little more than keep Jackson from attacking as both fighters looked fatigued through two rounds.

Jackson reversed roles with Sonnen in the final frame as he clinched and pushed his opponent against the cage for the opening minutes, though he inflicted limited damage. The two MMA veterans jawed throughout the middle of the round while exchanging strikes, eventually going back to the ground with Sonnen on top. After the official stood up the combatants, Jackson landed a quick flurry before the bell rang, but couldn’t do enough to win over the judges.