Rory MacDonald looked sharp in the main event of Bellator 222. Taking on a game opponent in Neiman Gracie, MacDonald’s all-around game and MMA experience was too much for his jiu-jitsu based foe.
The judges’ scores at New York’s Madison Square Garden were 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of the champion.
“I feel pretty good. It’s such an honor to be able to compete in an arena like this in New York City,” MacDonald said. “I truly feel blessed to come so far in my career and to be fighting for a world championship here in Madison Square Garden.”
All results:
Rory MacDonald def. Neiman Gracie via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) – to defend welterweight title/advance to WWGP final
Lyoto Machida def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (knee, punches) – Round 2, 0:22
Dillon Danis def. Max Humphrey via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:28
Juan Archuleta def. Eduardo Dantas via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 4:59
Kyoji Horiguchi def. Darrion Caldwell via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – to win bantamweight title
Taylor Turner def. Heather Hardy via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:53
Adam Borics def. Aaron Pico via knockout (flying knee) – Round 2, 3:55
Valerie Loureda def. Larkyn Dasch via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
👊🇨🇦👑 "The Red King" went all five rounds and emerged victorious at #Bellator222.@Rory_MacDonald advances to the final bout of the #BellatorWGP where he will face @PhenomLima. pic.twitter.com/CLmLtrHIBD
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 15, 2019
Lindsey VanZandt def. Rena Kubota via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:04
Haim Gozali def. Gustavo Wurlitzer via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:02
Mike Kimbel def. Sebastian Ruiz via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
Robson Gracie Jr. def. Oscar Vera via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:15
Marcus Surin def. Nekruz Mirkhojaev via split decision (30-27, 27-29, 29-27)
Phil Hawes def. Michael Wilcox via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
John Beneduce def. Kenny Rivera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
