Bellator 222 might just be the best card the promotion has ever assembled, with a pair of title fights and big names all over the card.
Bellator 222 is taking place inside The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, and the card fits the part.
In the headlining bout, Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald will defend his belt against Neiman Gracie as a part of the promotion’s welterweight grand prix. Legends occupy the co-main event, as Chael Sonnen will look to add former UFC champion Lyoto Machida’s name to his resume.
The first fight of the main card is a huge cross-promotional title fight. After their battle in Japan, RIZIN bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi returns to the states to challenge for Darrion Caldwell’s Bellator title. The next challenger for that bantamweight title will be determined when former champion Eduardo Dantas takes on Juan Archuleta in a short-notice featherweight bout.
Top prospects will square off on the main card as well as undefeated King of the Cage champion will make his promotional debut against Ricky Bandejas, who is known for his win over James Gallagher. Lastly, Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Dillon Danis will step into the cage for the second time against Max Humphrey.
Check out the live results below and click on the links for a recap of the selected fight.
Bellator 222 Main Card
- Rory MacDonald def. Neiman Gracie by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47 x2) – Bellator Welterweight Championship
- Lyoto Machida def. Chael Sonnen by TKO (Flying Knee and Punches) in Round 2 (0:22)
- Dillon Danis def. Max Humphrey by Submission (Armbar) in Round 1 (4:28)
- Patrick Mix def. Ricky Bandejas by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 1 (1:06)
- Juan Archuleta def. Eduardo Dantas by KO (Right Hook) in Round 2 (4:59)
- Kyoji Horiguchi def. Darrion Caldwell by Unanimous Decision (49-46 x2, 48-47) – Bellator Bantamweight Championship
Preliminary Card
- John Beneduce def. Kenny Rivera by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)
- Kastriot Xhema def. Whitney Francois by TKO (Punches) in Round 2 (3:17)
- Brandon Polcare def. Brandon Medina by Submission (Guillotine Choke) in Round 1 (4:33)
- Taylor Turner def. Heather Hardy by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (3:53)
- Adam Borics def. Aaron Pico by KO (Flying Knee) in Round 2 (3:55)
- Valerie Loureda def. Larkyn Dasch by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
- Lindsey VanZandt def. Rena Kubota by Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 1 (4:04)
- Haim Gozali def. Gustavo Wurlitzer by Submission (Triangle Choke) in Round 1 (4:02)
- Mike Kimbel def. Sebastian Ruiz by Split Decision (30-27 x2, 28-29)
- Robson Gracie Jr. def. Oscar Vera by Submission (Armbar) in Round 1 (3:15)
- Marcus Surin def. Nekruz Mirkhojaev by Split Decision (30-27, 27-29, 29-27)
- Phil Hawes def. Michael Wilcox by TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) in Round 1 (5:00)
