Bellator 222 News

Rory-MacDonald, Bellator 220
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 | Pros react to Rory MacDonald beating Neiman Gracie to retain welterweight title

Cole Shelton - June 14, 2019

In the main event of Bellator 222, Rory MacDonald was looking to defend his welterweight title against undefeated jiu-jitsu star, Neiman Gracie. It was also the semi-finals of the welterweight Grand Prix where the winner would take on Douglas Lima. But, the major question going into the fight, is how Rory MacDonald would perform. After his performance against Jon Fitch he wasn’t sure if had the desire to hurt anyone anymore.

Rory MacDonald
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 Results: Rory MacDonald defeats Neiman Gracie (Highlights)

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

The Bellator welterweight title was up for grabs in the main event of Bellator 222, as reigning champion Rory MacDonald squared off with Neiman Gracie. Rory MacDonald was making a quick turnaround, this after competing at April’s Bellator 220 event. There, ‘The Red King’ battled Jon Fitch to a draw, this retaining his welterweight title and advancing in the promotions welterweight tournament.

Lyoto Machida, Chael Sonnen
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 | Pros react to Lyoto Machida KO, Chael Sonnen retiring

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

A light heavyweight scrap between former UFC standouts Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York. Chael Sonnen was last seen in action at Bellator 208 where he suffered a first round TKO loss to MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to the setback, Sonnen was coming off back-to-Back decision victories over former MMA champions Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 Results: Lyoto Machida stops Chael Sonnen with a flying knee (Video)

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

A light heavyweight bout between fan favorites Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York City. Chael Sonnen was last seen in action at Bellator 208 where he suffered a first round TKO loss to MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to the setback, Sonnen was coming off back-to-Back decision victories over former MMA champions Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Kyoji-Horiguchi
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 Results: Kyoji Horiguchi defeats Darrion Caldwell

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

A highly anticipated rematch between Darrion Caldwell and Kyoji Horiguchi took place at tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York City. Horiguchi (27-2 MMA) submitted Caldwell (12-2 MMA) in the third round of their New Years Eve bout in Japan. The victory crowned Horiguchi the first Rizin FF super bantamweight champion.

Aaron Pico
Bellator

Bellator 222 | Pros react after Adam Borics KO’s Aaron Pico

Cole Shelton - June 14, 2019

Aaron Pico was returning to the cage at Bellator 222 to take on an undefeated opponent in Adam Borics. There, the 22-year-old was looking to get back into the win column after being knocked out to Henry Corrales back in January. Aaron Pico was also fighting under Greg Jackson for the first time, and ahead of the fight, he said he is a brand new fighter and couldn’t wait to showcase his talents. He said he planned on using his wrestling which he did and knew how important a win was.

Aaron Pico
Bellator

Aaron Pico says top featherweights are still turning down fights with him

Cole Shelton - June 11, 2019

At Bellator 222 inside Madison Square Garden, highly touted prospect Aaron Pico will return to the cage to take on Adam Borics. He’ll be looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Henry Corrales. Although Pico is coming off of a loss, he is ready to return and believes he’s taken the perfect amount of time off. With the loss, the highly regarded prospect also decided to take a step back and go back to the drawing board. He even undertook a camp change to JacksonWink MMA.

Aaron Pico
Bellator

Aaron Pico explains move to JacksonWink MMA

Cole Shelton - June 10, 2019

Aaron Pico is one of the most highly touted prospects on Bellator’s roster. And, ahead of his upcoming fight at Bellator 222, he changed camps from Team Body Shop to JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque. The 22-year-old says there is a simple reason for this change.

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Bellator 222

Lyoto Machida explains decision to fight Chael Sonnen, details lofty goals in Bellator

Chris Taylor - May 25, 2019

Lyoto Machida will return to the cage on June 14 where he will square off with Chael Sonnen in the headliner of Bellator 222. The former UFC light heavyweight champion, Machida (25-8 MMA), made his Bellator debut this past December where he picked up a split-decision win over former Bellator middleweight title holder Rafael Carvalho.