Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida, 41, of Belem, Para, Brazil was one of the winners at “Bellator 222.” It was the Brazilian mixed martial artist’s second victory in Bellator MMA.
Featuring 18 MMA matches, “Bellator 222″ took place in Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States on June 14, 2019. In the co-main event of the evening, Machida faced Chael Sonnen, 42, of West Linn, Oregon, U.S. in the light heavyweight division with Todd Anderson as the referee.
Sonnen survived a knockdown in the first round. But Anderson put a stop to the light heavyweight bout after 22 seconds in the second round when Machida knocked out his American opponent via flying knee and punches.
Winning at “Bellator 222” improved the professional MMA record of Machida to 26 wins and 8 losses. Sonnen announced his retirement from MMA with a professional record of 30 wins, 17 losses and 1 draw.
“Listen I got one thing to say,” Sonnen said. “I had a hell of a lot of fun. I had a good run.”
According to Sonnen, Bellator MMA president Scott Coker gave him a five-fight deal and he let him honor all five fights. The West Linn native said, :Ladies and gentlemen, I’m walking out. I appreciate the memories and goodbye.”
Sonnen made his professional MMA debut in 1997. On the other hand, Machida has been competing professionally since 2003.
Machida was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil on May 30, 1978 and grew up in Belem. His father Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida is Japanese and his mother Ana Claudia is Portuguese-Italian.
At the age of 3, Lyoto started his karate training. He was only 13 years old when he earned his black belt.
“Bellator 222” marked Lyoto’s second Bellator MMA fight. He competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2018.
On December 15, 2018, Lyoto made his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 213” at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. He defeated Rafael “The Blessed” Carvalho, 32, of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil via split decision.
Here is a clip featuring Lyoto:
CONAN Daily 
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