On Saturday, June 24, Bellator MMA hosted its second-ever pay-per-view event from Madison Square Garden in New York.
In the night’s main event, a pair of longtime MMA veterans finally settled a grudge match years in the making as former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen took on former Pride FC champion Wanderlei Silva. The pair coached against one another on The Ultimate Fighter, but never faced off in the cage. Sonnen made his Bellator debut in January, falling by submission to Tito Ortiz. The 40-year-old had dropped four of his last five. Silva, meanwhile, had not competed since 2013. The Brazilian, who was making his promotional debut, was coming off a second-round knockout win over Brian Stann inside the UFC Octagon.
The co-main event of the evening also featured another legend of the sport in Russian Fedor Emelianenko. The former Pride champion took on Matt Mitrione in a match-up that was originally expected to take place at Bellator 172.
Also on the card were title fights in the welterweight and lightweight divisions. Current champions Douglas Lima and Michael Chandler put their belts on the line against challengers Lorenz Larkin and Brent Primus, respectively.
The action kicked on at 10 p.m. ET live on pay-per-view. It was preceded by Bellator 180 live on Spike TV.
Neiman Gracie def. Dave Marfone by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 2:27
Matt Mitrione def. Fedor Emelianenko by knockout (punches). Round 1, 1:14
Brent Primus def. Michael Chandler by TKO (ankle injury). Round 1, 2:22 – for lightweight title
Zach Freeman def. Aaron Pico by submission (D’arce choke). Round 1, 0:24
Douglas Lima def. Lorenz Larkin by unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47, 48-47) – for welterweight title