Bellator 206 featured one of the highest-level, most anticipated, yet under-the-radar fights in company history -- if such qualifiers can all work together.
Bellator Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald moved up to face Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi, who also had wins at light heavyweight and heavyweight. Both men were very successful during runs with the UFC before heading to Bellator.
The larger Mousasi took control in the first round by repeatedly landing stiff left jabs. In round two, Rory MacDonald shot a takedown, but was stuffed. What resulted was Mousasi landing brutal ground and pound on his way to a stoppage from referee Herb Dean.
You can see an excerpt of our live coverage below.
Round Two: The round begins with MacDonald attacking Mousasi with a front kick followed by a right, Mousasi goes back to attacking MacDonald with jabs. MacDonald goes for a takedown and Mousasi gets top position while landing strikes, Mousasi attacks MacDonald with ground and pound. Mousasi transitions to the half guard against MacDonald before gaining full mount, Mousasi destroys MacDonald with elbow strikes until the referee jumps in.
Official Result: Gegard Mousasi def. Rory MacDonald by TKO via elbow strikes (3:23, R2) to retain the title
What's next for Mousasi is unknown, but MacDonald is tentatively slated to defend his Bellator Welterweight Championship against Jon Fitch in the opening round in the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix. Mousasi said that he could envision fighting Rafael Lovato Jr., and possibly Lyoto Machida, but he's not interested in waiting six months for a fight with the latter.
You can see our full coverage of Bellator 206 at this link, and our post-show podcast with Sean Ross Sapp and James Lynch breaking down the action at this link. We'll also talk about the event on Tuesday at 2 PM EST on the Fightful MMA Podcast.