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

By Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

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.

Lyoto Machida, Chael Sonnen

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.

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!


Topics:

Bellator Bellator 222 Chael Sonnen Lyoto Machida