Bellator 221’s Douglas Lima is still hoping for a shot at Rory MacDonald, before the welterweight world grand prix is done.
Former Bellator MMA welterweight champion Douglas Lima is back in action next week at Bellator 221. It’s a semi-final fight in the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix, and Lima has been tasked with taking on the undefeated Michael ‘Venom’ Page. There was another welterweight on a lot of people’s minds during the Bellator 221 media call on Tuesday, however: champ Rory MacDonald.
Following a draw with Jon Fitch at Bellator 220, which allowed him to retain his title and move on in the grand prix, MacDonald made some rather shocking statements. Particularly that, having apparently found god, he was no longer motivated to hurt people. Something of a problem, given his chosen profession.
The comments made many to question whether MacDonald (20-5-1) was done as a fighter. And out of the grand prix as a result.
If MacDonald did retire/relinquish the belt, Lima feels it would be disappointing for him personally. “A little bit disappointed for sure, you know. That’s a fight I would like, to get the rematch,” he told Cageside Press and other outlets on Tuesday’s media call. “Because it was so close, and many people thought I won.”
That said, “the title is definitely more important,” Lima admitted. “My focus is to be a champion, and to get both of these belts, you know the tournament, and the weight class.” While there’s really only one belt, his point is taken. “Of course I’m hoping he keeps going, everything goes good. That’s the final that I would like, I think it would be great. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see what happens, let’s see if he finds himself, and gets back in the tournament.”
For now, Lima has MVP to focus on. But after a hard-fought bout between the pair at Bellator 192, where MacDonald defeated Lima to capture the 170lb title, a rematch has been hotly anticipated. Many hoped it would come in the grand prix — including, obviously, Lima. Now, fans will have to wait and see. Fingers crossed.
Bellator 221 takes place at the AllState Arena in Chicago, IL on May 11. The card airs exclusively on DAZN.
