Monster Energy’s Rory MacDonald Edges Douglas Lima to Claim Welterweight Gold at Bellator 192
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (PRWEB) January 22, 2018 -- Monster Energy congratulates Rory MacDonald and teammate Michael Chandler on their victories on Saturday at Bellator 192 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Monster Energy’s Rampage Jackson also fought Chael Sonnen in the main event going three full rounds, but in the end Sonnen took the unanimous decision win over Rampage.
MacDonald defeated Douglas Lima by unanimous decision for the championship in the co-main event throughout a close, grueling and bloody five-round Welterweight title bout. With two of the best welterweight fighters in the world, this back-and-forth fight definitely didn’t disappoint and was everything fight fans could ask for. The sheer toughness of the former UFC star MacDonald (20-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) was exhibit throughout the entire fight as he battled through a bloodied and potentially broken nose, and severely swollen and damaged shin from Lima’s signature leg kicks.
MacDonald looked to be in control with crisp strikes and smart grappling through the early rounds until the accumulation of Lima kick’s swept him off his feet late in the third and Lima landed a sharp elbow while MacDonald attempted to tie him up from the bottom.
A razor-close fourth round which may have gone to Lima, led to the fifth and final round where a gutsy bleeding MacDonald controlled the round from the top, grinding away with enough strikes to keep position and a huge elbow late in the round to earn his first Bellator title and welterweight belt.
Chandler (17-4 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) bounced back from injury at his Madison Square Garden lightweight title loss to Brent Primus by not only defeating Goti Yamauchi, but also solidified his record-tying 14th Bellator win with Patricio Freire.
Pre-fight the question was whether collegiate wrestling star Chandler would dare to take down his opponent due to Yamauchi’s much-feared submission game. Chandler answered the question early in round one with a quick dump to the cage, a few hard standing kicks, and then dropping to the mat with some heavy top control and strategic ground and pound for the rest of the round.
In round two, Chandler played standup until he was caught with a clean hard kick that staggered him backward. Chandler reset, recovered, and took it back to the ground where he controlled the action with compact elbows and strikes while deftly avoiding Yamauchi’s arm bar and kimura attempts.
In the third the two exchange some spirited standup and even some words until Chandler got another takedown and secures top control, finally opening up with his offense, landing damaging elbows and strikes that bloodied Yamauchi’s face, and put an exclamation on Chandler’s dominant victory.
MacDonald and Chandler are amongst Monster Energy’s elite MMA athletes along with Conor “The Notorious” McGregor, Chris “The All American” Weidman, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Dominick “Dominator” Cruz, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, Paige VanZant, Yair Rodriquez, Rampage Jackson, Phil Davis, James Gallagher and Brennan Ward.
For more on Monster Energy’s MMA team visit http://www.monsterenergy.com.
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
Kim Dresser, Indie Agency Inc., http://www.indiepragency.com, +1 (949) 300-5546, [email protected]
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