From a ratings standpoint, Bellator going head-to-head tonight with UFC 220 is of course a curious and particularly unwise thing to do. Then again, this isn’t yesterday’s Bellator, nor even yesterday’s UFC. This is a New Day Bellator premiering on the Paramount Network, with Mike Goldberg on the call with Mauro and Big John, and Rory MacDonald, a 253-pound Rampage and a 222-pound Chael. Even for UFC snobs who have for so long refused to cast an eye Bellator’s way, that’s a lot to ignore.
From the UFC side, it’s a little different too.