The MMA odds and ends series is generally reserved for my thoughts on the UFC’s new reservations, but we can not dismiss Bellator. The Scott Coker-led marketing has revealed some noteworthy bouts for the upcoming Bellator 222 card, and here are my initial thoughts on such matchups.
Chael Sonnen vs. Lyoto Machida, Bellator 222
Bellator 222 takes place June 14 in Madison Square Garden in New York , New York. The most important event is a light heavyweight bout between Chael Sonnen and Lyoto Machida. Check out my thoughts on this matchup in a previous odds and ends here.
Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Darion Caldwell two, Bellator 222
Additionally added to Bellator 222 is a fascinating rematch between RIZIN bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi and Bellator bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell. These two fought at RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve event, together with Horiguchi winning the fight by third-round entry. Horiguchi (27-2) will be making his Bellator introduction here riding a 12-fight win series. He is a perfect 9-0 at RIZIN, and is coming off of a dazzling TKO win over former UFC fighter Ben Nguyen only a couple of weeks ago. Caldwell (13-2) is 10-1 overall in Bellator but hasn’t fought since the reduction to Horiguchi from the RIZIN ring. The last time we saw Caldwell in Bellator he knocked out Noah Lahat last summer, and besides a shocking submission defeat to Joe Taimanglo in 2016 he has looked amazing in the Bellator cage. Nevertheless, you need to go together with Horiguchi to acquire this rematch. There’s no reason to think much has changed since the last time these two fought, and I’d anticipate Horiguchi for a sizeable favorite this time around despite the fact that he was an underdog first time these two met.
Dillon Danis vs. Max Humphrey, Bellator 222
As well, a catchweight (175lbs) bout between Dillon Danis and Max Humphrey takes place at Bellator 222. Dannis (1-0) submitted Kyle Walker in his Bellator and MMA debut last April, but will be coming off of a 14-month layoff within this bout. Humphrey (3-2) is making his Bellator introduction after losing by knockout to a nobody in the regional arena in his last outing. It’s possible to view what Bellator is trying to do here by reserving this mismatch, and Dannis will be a big favorite to get the win.
Rory MacDonald vs. Neiman Gracie, Bellator 222
We weren’t sure if Rory MacDonald will be ready to fight Neiman Gracie, but Bellator created the official announcement that the struggle was on. The Bellator welterweight title will be at stake at the semifinals of this Bellator welterweight grand prix. MacDonald (20-5-1) is 2-1-1 complete in Bellator and is coming off of a vast majority draw to Jon Fitch, using advanced in the tournament due to a rule where the winner advances in case of a draw. MacDonald took quite a little damage in the Fitch struggle and said afterwards in his post-fight interview that he does not possess the drive to damage his opponents he did. That’s concerning, and makes you wonder if he should be fighting so soon. He says he’s ready, but we’ll see. Gracie (9-0) is 7-0 in Bellator and overall has finished eight of his ace wins by submission. He is coming from a great win over Ed Ruth in the quarterfinals, also is a live puppy here against MacDonald. I anticipate MacDonald to be favored, but I would have a very long look at Gracie in this one as MacDonald needs to be faded at this point.
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