A light heavyweight division attraction has been added to Bellator MMA’s return to New York City according to ESPN as Chael Sonnen is in action against Lyoto Machida.
Sonnen (30-16-1) is competing for the first time since being eliminated from the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, losing to Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 208. Sonnen has won just two of five under the Bellator MMA banner, with those wins coming over the duo of Wanderlei Silva and Rampage Jackson. Sonnen has seen nineteen of his professional MMA fights go the distance and the fighter has picked up wins in eighteen of those encounters.
Machida (25-8-0) is undefeated thus far under the Bellator MMA banner, defeating Rafael Carvlaho by decision at Bellator 213. Machida is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, defeating Rashad Evans to win the gold at UFC 98. Machida will enter the bout while in the midst of a three fight winning streak and he hasn’t suffered a defeat in well over a year.
Bellator NYC takes place on Friday, June 14 from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York with no main event announced at this time. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, while broadcast plans have yet to be announced.
