Bellator 222 | Pros react to Lyoto Machida KO, Chael Sonnen retiring

A light heavyweight scrap between former UFC standouts Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York.

Chael Sonnen was last seen in action at Bellator 208 where he suffered a first round TKO loss to MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to the setback, Sonnen was coming off back-to-Back decision victories over former MMA champions Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Meanwhile, Lyoto Machida entered Bellator 222 on a three fight winning streak, his latest being a split decision victory over former champ Rafael Carvalho at middleweight.

Lyoto Machida was able to dominate the first round of tonight’s Bellator 222 co-main event. The Brazilian dropped Chael Sonnen with a flying knee late in the round. The always durable Sonnen was able to survive to see round two, though he may wished he hadn’t.

Shortly after the bell sounded to begin round two, Lyoto Machida would once again land a flying knee, and this time put Chael Sonnen away with punches.

Following the loss, Sonnen proceeded to announce his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts.

Check out how the pros reacted to Lyoto Machida’s sensational knockout and Chael Sonnen’s retirement below.

You’re the man @ChaelSonnen!!!! Happy retirement!

— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) June 15, 2019

The American gentleman @ChaelSonnen enjoy retirement #Bellator222 @BellatorMMA

— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) June 15, 2019

Thank you @ChaelSonnen. #bellator222

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) June 15, 2019

Hope you have a happy retirement @ChaelSonnen, congratulations on your career and changing the game.

— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) June 15, 2019

Chael says goodbye. pic.twitter.com/9RPsSevIHT

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 15, 2019

@ChaelSonnen CONGRATS! One of the most genuine human beings I have ever met in my life. One of the good guys. Years ago he found out a certain UFC fighter with a large family got suspended, Chael sent an envelope with a check to his house to help. They barley knew each other.

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) June 15, 2019

https://twitter.com/bjpenndotcom/status/1139750791525220352?s=21

Omg. The original AMERICAN GANGSTER!!! @ChaelSonnen https://t.co/dqXJuM2k5Q

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) June 15, 2019

What was your favorite Chael Sonnen moment, and what did you think of Lyoto Machida’s incredible performance? Sound off in the comments section Penn Nation!