On Saturday, Jan. 20, Bellator MMA kicked off 2018 with its 192nd event from the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
The card featured a welterweight title tilt between champion Douglas Lima and former UFC title challenger Rory MacDonald. Lima, a two-time titleholder, looked to make his second consecutive title defense. The Canadian MacDonald made a successful debut in the circular cage last May, submitting veteran Paul Daley in the second round.
Also on the card, the promotion kicked off its heavyweight grand prix tournament. Former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson took on perennial trash-talker Chael Sonnen.
The night’s main card aired live on the newly launched Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET, following live prelims on the promotion’s website at 7 p.m. ET.
Rory MacDonald def. Douglas Lima by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-45, 49-46) – for welterweight title
Michael Chandler def. Goiti Yamauchi by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
Aaron Pico def. Shane Kruchten by knockout (punch). Round 1, 0:37
Henry Corrales def. Georgi Karakhanyan by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Devon Brock def. Khonry Gracie by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Joey Davis def. Ian Butler by knockout (spinning back kick). Round 1, 0:39
Guilherme Bomba def. Ivan Castillo by submission (arm-triangle choke). Round 1, 4:12
Johnny Cisneros def. Marlen Magee by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 3, 2:28
Roosevelt Roberts def. Tommy Aaron by TKO. Round 1
Kyle Estrada def. David Duran by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Arthur Estrazulas def. Mike Segura by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2
Chad George def. James Barnes by TKO (doctor’s stoppage). Round 2, 5:00
Cooper Gibson def. Andrew Lazo by submission. Round 1
Noah Tillis vs. Jalin Turner
Christopher Padilla vs. Gabriel Green