Bellator 222: Lyoto Machida Goes to Work With Flying Knees, Chael Sonnen Retires

Part of the storyline heading into Bellator 222 was whether Chael Sonnen’s wrestling would have an answer for Lyoto Machida’s footwork and counterstrikes, and the answer was no.

Sonnen charged out and proceeded to push Machida to the fence. Machida worked his way out, however, and he proceeded to land a couple of body kicks. Sonnen continued to press forward and swept Machida to the floor, but “The Dragon” got back up. Moments later, Machida blasted Sonnen with another kick to the body and then a flying knee that sent him to the deck. Machida hammered with shots from above, but eventually, Sonnen got back to his feet.

Sonnen came out pressuring in round two, and as he attempted to clinch up, Machida cracked him with another knee. The former UFC champ pounded away with punches from above and the fight was stopped.

After the bout, the outspoken Sonnen announced he’s hanging up the gloves at the age of 42.

Here the results so far for Bellator 222, which is taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Lyoto Machida def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (knee and punches) R2, 0:22

Dillon Danis def. Max Humphrey via submission (armbar) R1, 4:28

Patrick Mix def. Ricky Bandejas via submission (rear-naked-choke) R1, 1:06

Juan Archuleta def. Eduardo Dantas via KO (punch) R2, 4:59

Kyoji Horiguchi def. Darrion Caldwell via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

Taylor Turner def. Heather Hardy via TKO (punches) R1, 3:53

Adam Borics def. Aaron Pico via knockout (flying knee) R2, 3:55

Valerie Loureda def. Larkyn Dasch via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Lindsey VanZandt def. Rena Kubota via technical submission (rear-naked choke) R1, 4:04

Haim Gozali def. Gustavo Wurlitzer via submission (triangle choke) R1, 4:02

Mike Kimbel def. Sebastian Ruiz via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)

Robson Gracie Jr. def. Oscar Vera via submission (armbar) R1, 3:15

Marcus Surin def. Nekruz Mirkhojaev via split decision (30-27, 27-29, 29-27)

Phil Hawes def. Michael Wilcox via TKO (doctor stoppage) R1, 5:00

John Beneduce def. Kenny Rivera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Kastriot Xhema def. Whitney Francois via TKO (punches) R2, 3:17

Brandon Polcare def. Brandon Medina via submission (guillotine choke) R1, 4:33