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Sends Sonnen into retirement
Machida defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO (flying knee and punches) at 0:22 of Round 2 at Bellator 222 on June 14 at Madison Square Garden.
ANALYSIS
Machida ended his UFC run on a two-fight winning streak, and has now won each of his first two bouts under the Bellator banner. He was a betting favorite as high as (-400) in this fight and certainly looked the part. The Brazilian landed a menacing knee in the first round, and Sonnen barely survived the ensuing beatdown that could have easily forced the ref to stop the bout. The second round was more of the same, as Sonnen recklessly shot for a takedown but was met by another Machida knee. This time, the ref didn't give Sonnen as much leeway to recover, and rightfully stepped in to end the punishment. While Machida may not be able to contend with the best in the world at 41 years old, he proved again Friday that there is plenty left in the tank. "The Dragon" has openly stated his goal of earning multiple belts under the Bellator banner.
Machida ended his UFC run on a two-fight winning streak, and has now won each of his first two bouts under the Bellator banner. He was a betting favorite as high as (-400) in this fight and certainly looked the part. The Brazilian landed a menacing knee in the first round, and Sonnen barely survived the ensuing beatdown that could have easily forced the ref to stop the bout. The second round was more of the same, as Sonnen recklessly shot for a takedown but was met by another Machida knee. This time, the ref didn't give Sonnen as much leeway to recover, and rightfully stepped in to end the punishment. While Machida may not be able to contend with the best in the world at 41 years old, he proved again Friday that there is plenty left in the tank. "The Dragon" has openly stated his goal of earning multiple belts under the Bellator banner.
Scheduled for second Bellator fight
Machida will take on Chael Sonnen at Bellator 222 in New York on June 14, Bellator President Scott Coker announced.
ANALYSIS
Machida won his first fight under the Bellator label when he defeated Rafael Carvalho via split decision at Bellator 213 in December, and he'll look to make it two straight when he takes on Sonnen in June. Overall, "The Dragon" will enter the bout with a 25-8 professional record, as opposed to Sonnen's 30-16-1.
Machida won his first fight under the Bellator label when he defeated Rafael Carvalho via split decision at Bellator 213 in December, and he'll look to make it two straight when he takes on Sonnen in June. Overall, "The Dragon" will enter the bout with a 25-8 professional record, as opposed to Sonnen's 30-16-1.
Mixes up his style
Machida defeated Rafael Carvalho via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) at Bellator 213 on Saturday in Honolulu.
ANALYSIS
Machida's performance was somewhat vintage and somewhat new. In the first two rounds, he seemed to stay ahead of Carvalho with his karate style. He darted in and scored with punches and kicks against the former Bellator champion. In the final round, Machida went to his wrestling. He took down Carvalho and salted away the fight. The former UFC light heavyweight champion left the UFC after two victories. He now put himself into position to challenge Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, who he previously defeated in 2014.
Machida's performance was somewhat vintage and somewhat new. In the first two rounds, he seemed to stay ahead of Carvalho with his karate style. He darted in and scored with punches and kicks against the former Bellator champion. In the final round, Machida went to his wrestling. He took down Carvalho and salted away the fight. The former UFC light heavyweight champion left the UFC after two victories. He now put himself into position to challenge Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, who he previously defeated in 2014.
Bellator debut booked
Machida will make his Bellator debut against former middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho on Dec. 15 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ariel Helwani of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Machida exited the UFC on a two-fight winning streak, and the 40-year-old was awarded a lucrative opportunity to continue his MMA career under the banner of Bellator MMA. He'll immediately draw a considerable test against one of the tougher middleweights on the roster in Calvalho. The fellow Brazilian had been riding a 15-fight winning streak prior to losing his championship belt to another former UFC product in Gegard Mousasi last May. Despite what will inevitably be a hall-of-fame career, Machida seems likely to enter as a betting underdog in this one.
Machida exited the UFC on a two-fight winning streak, and the 40-year-old was awarded a lucrative opportunity to continue his MMA career under the banner of Bellator MMA. He'll immediately draw a considerable test against one of the tougher middleweights on the roster in Calvalho. The fellow Brazilian had been riding a 15-fight winning streak prior to losing his championship belt to another former UFC product in Gegard Mousasi last May. Despite what will inevitably be a hall-of-fame career, Machida seems likely to enter as a betting underdog in this one.
Officially on board with Bellator
Machida signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA on Friday, Ariel Helwani of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Machida will leave the promotion that made him on a two-fight winning streak, most recently sending Vitor Belfort into retirement with a front kick at UFC 224. At 40 years old but not quite yet ready to call it quits, "The Dragon" will look to build on a 24-8 professional record. Plans for his Bellator debut have yet to be announced.
Machida will leave the promotion that made him on a two-fight winning streak, most recently sending Vitor Belfort into retirement with a front kick at UFC 224. At 40 years old but not quite yet ready to call it quits, "The Dragon" will look to build on a 24-8 professional record. Plans for his Bellator debut have yet to be announced.