Lyoto Machida retired Chael Sonnen with a flying knee and follow up punches at Bellator 222.
In the co-main event of Bellator 222, long time MMA veterans Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen faced off in a light heavyweight match up. In the end, the former UFC champion added another name to his resume, landing a perfectly timed flying knee for yet another highlight reel finish.
After the loss, Sonnen decided to announce his retirement from mixed martial arts.
Check out highlights of the bout below, along with a snippet from our play-by-play:
The Flying Knee did the trick for @lyotomachidafw #Bellator222 pic.twitter.com/UJEocCqWnT
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) June 15, 2019
The ride is over. @ChaelSonnen announces that he is retiring. ? pic.twitter.com/kNMQEIdIKq
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) June 15, 2019
Lyoto Machida vs. Chael Sonnen
Round 1 – Chael pressing immediately and he dives in on a takedown. He can’t get it, but he’s battling in the clinch. They separate. Machida lands a body kick. Chael lands his own and clinches again. Sonnen almost hits a trip but he jumps onto Machida’s back. He spins around with a body lock, but Machida shucks him off. Sonnen is still on him though. Foot stomps. They stall out. Machida backs out and lands two hard body kicks. Jump knee and Sonnen goes down! Machida is all over him! Sonnen is holding on. Chael eventually got up but not a bunch happened after that. 10-9 Machida.
Round 2 – Big knee from Machida again immediately! The Dragon is all over him, and it’s over! Just like that
Lyoto Machida defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO (strikes), round 2