Bellator 222 | Pro fighters make their picks for Chael Sonnen vs. Lyoto Machida

Bellator returns to Madison Square Garden in New York City with the stacked Bellator 222 card this weekend. The card sees two titles on the line and an intriguing light heavyweight matchup between Chael Sonnen and Lyoto Machida.

Ahead of the light heavyweight showdown, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions on this light heavyweight matchup. And, the consensus is that Sonnen will use his wrestling and grind out a win.

Here is what they had to say.

BJPENN.com Fighter Picks: Chael Sonnen vs. Lyoto Machida

Aaron Pico, Bellator featherweight: I think Chael is going to win. He will take him down and grind out a win.

Ricky Bandejas, Bellator bantamweight: I think Chael Sonnen. He will take him down, hold him there and beat him up.

Cody Stamann, UFC bantamweight: Chael Sonnen will just outwrestle him and dominate him.

Calvin Kattar, UFC featherweight: Hopefully Chael gets it done. I think he can get it done. And, I can’t wait for him to talk more shit when he does.

Allen Crowder, UFC heavyweight: That should be a good fight. I think Chael uses his wrestling and keeps Machida at bay. So “The American Gangster” wins that one. 

Patrick Mix, Bellator bantamweight: I have to go with Lyoto Machida. Chael does a lot for promotion, but I think Machida will win. He lets his work do all the talking.

Rakim Cleveland, PFL light heavyweight: It is an interesting fight. If Chael closes the distance he is the bigger, stronger guy. He just needs to put his hands on Machida to get him down and he will grind it out. Lyoto Machida has the edge in striking, but I think Chael ultimately wins.

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Fighters picking Chael Sonnen: Aaron Pico, Ricky Bandejas, Cody Stamann, Calvin Kattar, Allen Crowder, Rakim Cleveland.

Fighters picking Lyoto Machida: Patrick Mix.

Who do you think will win the fight between Chael Sonnen and Lyoto Machida? Let us know in the comment section.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/12/2019.