Main Card:
Welterweight Champion #6 Douglas Lima (29-6) +190 vs. #4 Rory MacDonald (19-4) -230
This is one of those rare occasions where the champ is actually ranked lower than the challenger. However, MacDonald has proven himself against a much higher level of competition though Lima definitely has his skills.
The Brazilian joined Bellator in 2011 and quickly ran through three opponents before meeting then Champion Ben Askren when he was soundly defeated. Lima re-doubled his efforts winning his next five including TKOing Rick Hawn for the vacant title Askren had left behind. Doug promptly lost the belt in his next outing against Andrey Koreshkov but then returned to dispatch Paul Daley before a rematch with Andrey and his 2nd run with the gold. In his last outing, Douglas opened a lot of eyes when he bested Lorenz Larkin in the NYC. At thirty years of age, Lima is coming into his prime as a solid kickboxer with deadly leg kicks that set up the rest of his striking.
The "Armani Assassin" is no stranger to any style of fighting in MMA today. In the UFC, MacDonald went 9-4 only losing to the most elite of the sport, and putting out one of the greatest efforts of all time against Robbie Lawler in '15. Rory made the move to Bellator and embarrassed Paul Daley (every ones punk) in his debut. The "Red King" is simply good everywhere the fight takes place and is a proven warrior.
Even with his stellar jab, MacDonald could be threatened on the feet by Lima, but should the scrap go to the ground, Rory has the advantage by miles. Doug has shown a weakness on the ground every time he has been put there for an extended period of time. Takedown defense will be a must with "Mac Daddy-D" having so many weapons. MMAFO sees Rory putting a stop to things in the championship rounds.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.4 TKO
This is one of those rare occasions where the champ is actually ranked lower than the challenger. However, MacDonald has proven himself against a much higher level of competition though Lima definitely has his skills.
The Brazilian joined Bellator in 2011 and quickly ran through three opponents before meeting then Champion Ben Askren when he was soundly defeated. Lima re-doubled his efforts winning his next five including TKOing Rick Hawn for the vacant title Askren had left behind. Doug promptly lost the belt in his next outing against Andrey Koreshkov but then returned to dispatch Paul Daley before a rematch with Andrey and his 2nd run with the gold. In his last outing, Douglas opened a lot of eyes when he bested Lorenz Larkin in the NYC. At thirty years of age, Lima is coming into his prime as a solid kickboxer with deadly leg kicks that set up the rest of his striking.
The "Armani Assassin" is no stranger to any style of fighting in MMA today. In the UFC, MacDonald went 9-4 only losing to the most elite of the sport, and putting out one of the greatest efforts of all time against Robbie Lawler in '15. Rory made the move to Bellator and embarrassed Paul Daley (every ones punk) in his debut. The "Red King" is simply good everywhere the fight takes place and is a proven warrior.
Even with his stellar jab, MacDonald could be threatened on the feet by Lima, but should the scrap go to the ground, Rory has the advantage by miles. Doug has shown a weakness on the ground every time he has been put there for an extended period of time. Takedown defense will be a must with "Mac Daddy-D" having so many weapons. MMAFO sees Rory putting a stop to things in the championship rounds.
WINNER-Rory MacDonald by Rd.4 TKO
Heavyweight Grand Prix First Round Bout:
Quinton Jackson (37-12) -165 vs. Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) +155
Oh Jesus what a shit show. Neither of these men have been worth a damn in many years, and off the PED's, Chael has looked like a shell of his former overrated self. Who wins? Who cares? This little tournament is just for fun and should be called an "Open Weight" tournament with all the Light Heavyweights and Sonnen is a damn Middleweight if he can ever get in shape again.
The two combatants claim there is a $10,000 bet for every time Chael can take "Rampage" down but beyond that, this is pointless.
Jackson puts hands on Sonnen early and he folds as he always does.
WINNER-Quinton Jackson by Rd.1 TKO
Michael Chandler (16-4) -280 vs. Goiti Yamauchi (22-3) +240
Two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Mr. Chandler has seen some rough times in his day. A leg injury cost him the belt last out against Brent Primus and he's been through wars against Eddie Alvarez and shit kickings at the hands of Will Brooks. Mike is looking to get that rematch he desperately desires with his Mizzou wrestling skills and erratic, though sometimes effective striking.
The Japanese sensation has made a name for himself going 8-2 for the promotion. Goiti is a Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has tapped 18 men in his career. You can likely guess where he'd like to take this fight.
We worry a bit that Chandler has been through so much that the wear is affecting him at this point in his career. We still have to ride with Mike but should he lose this #1 contender match, his career will be in serious trouble.
WINNER-Michael Chandler by Decision
Two-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Mr. Chandler has seen some rough times in his day. A leg injury cost him the belt last out against Brent Primus and he's been through wars against Eddie Alvarez and shit kickings at the hands of Will Brooks. Mike is looking to get that rematch he desperately desires with his Mizzou wrestling skills and erratic, though sometimes effective striking.
The Japanese sensation has made a name for himself going 8-2 for the promotion. Goiti is a Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has tapped 18 men in his career. You can likely guess where he'd like to take this fight.
We worry a bit that Chandler has been through so much that the wear is affecting him at this point in his career. We still have to ride with Mike but should he lose this #1 contender match, his career will be in serious trouble.
WINNER-Michael Chandler by Decision
Aaron Pico (1-1) -720 vs. Shane Kruchten (12-3) +510
AKA's highly touted prospect rebounded from a disastrous pro debut to destroy a journeyman last September. Growing pains are expected and there is nothing to panic about as Pico showed in his sophomore showing.
"The War Rhino" and all his wonderfully awful tattoos is a small step up in competition. Shane trains with Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu team but has fought infrequently since 2012.
We all know Aaron is supposed to win this and should. Shit happens in MMA but Pico gets the job done. The interest here is just how he performs.
WINNER-Aaron Pico by Rd.3 TKO
AKA's highly touted prospect rebounded from a disastrous pro debut to destroy a journeyman last September. Growing pains are expected and there is nothing to panic about as Pico showed in his sophomore showing.
"The War Rhino" and all his wonderfully awful tattoos is a small step up in competition. Shane trains with Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu team but has fought infrequently since 2012.
We all know Aaron is supposed to win this and should. Shit happens in MMA but Pico gets the job done. The interest here is just how he performs.
WINNER-Aaron Pico by Rd.3 TKO
Henry Corrales (14-3) -105 vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (27-7-1) -115
"Insane" Georgi is usually all over the damn map but he puts in entertaining performances for sure. You can't really rely on "Kayak-ian" at the upper levels and Corrales is on the uptick.
Upset Pick WINNER-Henry Corrales by Decision
Preliminary Card:
Khonry Gracie (0-0) vs. Devon Brock (0-0)
Here we go again with another cat named Gracie. Khonry is the son of Royce Gracie so he's a Jiu-Jitsu guy who has a lot of pressure on his young shoulders.
Khonry prolly wins? Dunno and don't care until he proves himself a bit.
WINNER-Khonry Gracie by Rd.2 Submission?
Here we go again with another cat named Gracie. Khonry is the son of Royce Gracie so he's a Jiu-Jitsu guy who has a lot of pressure on his young shoulders.
Khonry prolly wins? Dunno and don't care until he proves himself a bit.
WINNER-Khonry Gracie by Rd.2 Submission?
Ivan Castillo (14-8) vs. Guilherme Bomba (9-4)
Kyle Estrada (6-3) vs. David Duran (6-4)
Noah Tillis (4-2) vs. Jalin Turner (5-3)
Christopher Padilla (9-2) vs. Gabriel Green (6-2)
Marlen Magee (4-4) vs. Johnny Cisneros (10-6)
Chad George (16-8) vs. James Barnes (9-2)
Jose Campos (1-0) vs. Haim Gozali (8-4)
Joey Davis (2-0) vs. Ian Butler (3-3)
Cooper Gibson (7-2) vs. Andrew Lazo (7-6)
Roosevelt Roberts (4-0) vs Tommy Aaron (5-2)
Mike Segura (8-4) vs. Arthur Estrazulas (9-3)
Marlen Magee (4-4) vs. Johnny Cisneros (10-6)
Chad George (16-8) vs. James Barnes (9-2)
Jose Campos (1-0) vs. Haim Gozali (8-4)
Joey Davis (2-0) vs. Ian Butler (3-3)
Cooper Gibson (7-2) vs. Andrew Lazo (7-6)
Roosevelt Roberts (4-0) vs Tommy Aaron (5-2)
Mike Segura (8-4) vs. Arthur Estrazulas (9-3)
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