MacDonald outlasts Gracie by unanimous decision at Bellator 222
The welterweight title will remain with Rory MacDonald, as the current champion outlasted Neiman Gracie by unanimous decision to claim victory in the co-main event at Bellator 222 on Friday.
MacDonald, who improved his career MMA record to 21-5-1 with the win, is now through to the Welterweight Grand Prix Final versus Douglas Lima. The loss represents the first of Gracie's career, as the 30-year-old entered the fight at Madison Square Garden with a 9-0 record.
Lyoto Machida beats Chael Sonnen
The other co-main event saw Lyoto Machida square off with veteran Chael Sonnen. Machida didn't just end the fight in the second round, but the 41-year-old sent his opponent into retirement with the win. Machida notched his fourth straight victory with a TKO by flying knee and punches 22 seconds into the second frame, improving his career mark to 26-8 in the process.
Sonnen announced his five-fight deal with Bellator had ended with the loss Friday and that he was done as a MMA fighter. It's the conclusion of a lengthy career for Sonnen, who is now free to focus on his television broadcasting duties.
Other action from the main card:
- Dillon Danis defeats Max Humphrey via submission (armbar): Round 1, 4:28
- Patrick Mix defeats Ricky Bandejas vis submission (rear-naked choke): Round 1, 1:06
- Juan Archuleta defeated Eduardo Dantas via knockout (punch): Round 2, 4:59
- Kyoji Horiguchi defeated Darrion Caldwell for bantamweight title via unanimous decision