Rory MacDonald vs. Neiman Gracie from Bellator 222’s main event was a reasonably competitive fight.
MacDonald was the better striker on the feet, but he did eat a few leg kicks along the way. What made the match exciting was MacDonald’s willingness to grapple with Gracie. Watching him hold his own with a Jiu-Jitsu specialist was a real treat to watch and further proof of just how elite MacDonald really is. MacDonald was able to find top position multiple times and was able to dish out some punishment without getting himself submitted. Not only does MacDonald get to keep his 170-pound title, but he will also get to meet former two-time champ Douglas Lima for a rematch in the final round of Bellator’s welterweight Grand Prix.