Defeated in 2014, Gegard Mousasi faces Lyoto Machida for Bellator, in September

L. Machida (left) and G. Mousasi (right) face each other for Bellator in September. Photo: Montagem SL / MMA Press

Average weight (up to 83,9kg.) Gegard Mousasi will finally have the chance to have his rematch against Lyoto Machida, by whom he was defeated in 2014, in the UFC. Bellator, the 'new home' of the two athletes, confirmed the clash between the two rivals for September 28th, in Los Angeles (USA). This will be the Dutchman's first fight since the athlete lost his category belt to the American Rafael Lovato.

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When they faced each other for the first time, more than five years ago, Lyoto was going through a great moment in his career. The athlete from Salvador (BA) was the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.) and had recently made his debut in the middleweight division, when he beat Mark Muñoz, in October 2013. Against Mousasi, Machida won by unanimous decision of the judges, which guaranteed him a passport to be chosen as the next challenger for the division title against the then champion, Chris Weidman.

In September, the story will be different. Athletes live different moments. The Brazilian is currently 41 years old, while his opponent is eight years old, aged 33. Lyoto recently lost his contract with the UFC, and moved to Bellator, where he has already competed in two fights, emerging victorious in both.

Mousasi, in turn, made four appearances for the new company and even won the title of his category in his second performance, against the Brazilian Raphael Carvalho, at Bellator 200, in May of last year. Gegard defended his belt against Canadian Rory McDonald in September, however, in June of this year, he was dethroned by Rafael Lovato.

The reunion with Lyoto, therefore, in addition to promoting his long-awaited rematch, could, in the event of a victory over the Brazilian, qualify him for a fight to try to regain his belt, lost just under a month ago.

The two athletes will perform in the co-main fight of the night, while the most anticipated attraction will be the title fight between the Brazilian Patrick Pitbull against Juan Archuleta at featherweight (up to 65,7kg.)

Currently, Mousasi has 53 fights in his mixed martial arts record, with 45 wins, six losses and two draws.

Machida, on the other hand, has 34 fights, 26 triumphs and eight setbacks in his career.

 

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Los Angeles, we'll see you soon.

A publication shared by Bellator MMA (@bellatormma) on Jul 11, 2019 at 5:56 pm PDT

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