Four MMA legends are back in the news , and you’ll be able to read what they’re up to beneath.
Bellator Books Lyoto Machida vs. Chael Sonnen
Bellator continues to book legends struggles and this time the advertising has signed a light heavyweight competition between Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani confirmed the booking, though Bellator has not announced a date or place for the contest as of yet. Notably, the contest will occur at 205lbs following Machida last competed at middleweight and Sonnen at heavyweight.
Machida (25-8) defeated Rafael Carvalho via split decision in his Bellator debut and beat both Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort before that at the Octagon in what was a comeback 2018 for»The Dragon.» Though he is 40-years-old now, Machida showed last year that he still has a lot of gas left in the tank. Many thought he was next in line for a rematch against Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, but instead he’ll move back up to light heavyweight with this big struggle against Sonnen.
Sonnen (31-16-1) is 2-2 in Bellator and is coming from a TKO loss to Fedor Emelianenko at the semifinals of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix. Prior to this, Sonnen had conquered Quinton»Rampage» Jackson in the tournament quarterfinals and Wanderlei Silva prior to that. Though he’s 41 now and no longer an elite fighter, Sonnen proceeds to property big-name matchups because of his entertaining struggles and vibrant personality.
So far as the betting line goes, look for Machida for a large favorite in this one. His solid takedown defense abilities together with vicious knockout power against a chinny fighter such as Sonnen makes this an extremely favorable matchup on paper.
ONE Championship Inks Vitor Belfort
After last year’s signings of Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt, it seems the ONE Championship is not done signing former UFC fighters just yet. The Singapore-based MMA advertising announced over the weekend it has signed former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort to a new, multi-fight contract. Belfort was released from the UFC after declaring his retirement following a KO loss to Machida in May 2018, but ONE gave him an offer he can not deny, and he will finish his short-lived retirement when he fights for ONE after this year, probably in Brazil because the advertising looks to expand in South America.
ONE hasn’t declared who Belfort’s first opponent will be, but there are plenty of options for him. Most probably Belfort will be ticketed to a heavyweight fight as he won’t have to reduce weight in that circumstance. An individual could readily give Belfort a title fight against their heavyweight champion Brandon Vera, but they may want to give him an easier fight against a journeyman such as James McSweeney. Roger Gracie is the promotion’s light heavyweight/cruiserweight winner, but he hasn’t fought in a couple of decades. Perhaps ONE could book that fight in Brazil. As well, Belfort said he’d be interested in boxing and boxing fights. Personally, I think the 41-year-old Belfort should have stayed retired, but at least he’ll make some good money under the 1 banner. Cro Cop Retires
Legendary heavyweight Mirko Cro Cop has retired, just weeks after a decision win over Roy Nelson in Bellator. According to reports, Cro Cop suffered a stroke and must retire. Cro Cop (38-11-2, 1 NC) will retire at age 44 among the greatest heavyweights to compete in the sport. He will retire to a 10-fight win streak, one that saw him fight and compete throughout the world for the best promotions in MMA. We at MMAOB wish Cro Cop the very best of luck .
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