Sonnen (left) and Ortiz (right) will face each other at Bellator 170, this Saturday (20). (Photo: Disclosure)
Bellator reaches its 170th edition with one of the biggest shows in its history. This Saturday (20), MMA fans will have the opportunity to travel through the history of the sport with representatives of historic rivalries, veterans in action and promises in search of space.
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In the main fight, the duel between Tito Ortiz, former UFC champion and Hall of Famer, against the loudmouth Chael Sonnen, one of the biggest rivals in his career Anderson Silva. Before that, two exchangers with very heavy hands promised to stay standing until someone falls: Brennan ward faces Paul Daley, ex-UFC. Not to mention the renewal of a historic rivalry between the Gracie family and fighters from Japan. Ralek Gracie takes on Hisaki Kator.
Other Brazilians like Chinzo Machida and former TUF Guilherme Bomba, will also be in action at Bellator 170. The event also features fights from former UFC fighter Kevin Casey and another former TUF member, Cody Bollinger.
To get you in the mood for Bellator 170, the SUPER FIGHTS prepared five reasons for you to attend the event.
1 – Tito’s last act and Sonnen’s debut
As you can see above, there is no respect between Chael Sonnen e Tito Ortiz. The former UFC champion has already warned that win or win, this will be the last fight of his career. However, the fight also serves as a fresh start for Sonnen, who left the UFC through the back door after failing a drug test.
After almost four years out of MMA competition, the “American Gangster” enters the light heavyweight division needing to beat Ortiz to justify a future fight against Wanderlei Silva and give credibility to an unlikely race for the division belt, in the possession of Phil Davis. For Ortiz, Sonnen's provocations are stuck in his throat and only a triumph in the last fight of his career will be enough.
2 – MMA beyond UFC
Page jokes with Cyborg after victory. The Englishman is one of Bellator's stars Photo: Bellator
Bellator 170 shows once again that there is life beyond the UFC for MMA lovers. The event has big names and will be broadcast on cable TV for North American Brazilians, unlike the main Ultimate shows, which are distributed via pay-per-view.
Fight fans can watch great fights this Saturday, with fighters like Paul Daley, Ralek Gracie's jiu-jitsu and the entire show promoted by Chael Sonnen e Tito Ortiz
3 – Japan x Gracie Family Rivalry
Ralek Gracie (left) faces Hisaki Kato (right) PHOTO: Disclosure
In recent years, Ralek Gracie has become better known as an entrepreneur than a fighter. Founder of Metamoris, a grappling event, the Brazilian has had trouble making ends meet and turns his focus to MMA. He is undefeated, with three victories, including one over Kazushi Sakuraba, the “Gracies Hunter”. However, he hasn't fought since 2010. He is another member of the family who has tried his luck in MMA recently.
Hisaki Kato, his opponent this Saturday, however, has been much more active and, in Bellator alone, has three fights, and also works in Rizin. His knockout over Joe Schilling, at Bellator 139, is one of the most beautiful in the history of the event.
The two will be renewing one of the oldest and most important rivalries in sport. The Gracie family and fighters from Japan have faced each other for over 60 years, ever since Hélio Gracie almost resisted the heavier Masahiko Kimura at Maracanã. It was this rivalry, in fact, that motivated the opening of Pride, which had Rickson Gracie, Hélio's son, against Nobuhiko Takada in his first main fight. This time, victory for Gracie and Brazil. Let's see who comes out on top at Bellator 170...
4 – Will Chinzo Machida step out of his brother’s shadow?
Chinzo (left) and his brother Lyoto (right) are in rival events Photo: Reproduction
For years, Chinzo Machida's presence in his brother Lyoto's corner was certain. Now, however, the roles appear to have reversed – at least temporarily. Serving a suspension for doping, the former UFC champion will accompany Chinzo in his second fight for Bellator, against Jamar Ocampo.
Despite his advanced age, 39 years old, the Brazilian has a good chance of advancing in the event. At least, the start was promising: a stunning knockout over Mario Navarro at Bellator 160. Now, Chinzo has the chance to extend Machida's karate efficiency to other North American events. And this time, Lyoto will be in his corner.
5 – Guilherme Bomba seeks consistency
Bomba (left) listens to Sonnen on TUF. Photo: Luiz Pires Dias/UFC
Guilherme Bomba, personal friend of Chael Sonnen (the two met on the recordings of TUF Brasil), will have the unique opportunity to fight in the same event as the North American. However, mainly due to his inconsistency, the Brazilian had to settle for a place in the preliminary portion of Bellator 170.
Bomba has a very popular life outside the Octagon – He is the boyfriend of singer Demi Lovato. This Saturday, he has the opportunity to show his value beyond that. Before debuting in Bellator, he was coming off a loss to another former TUF Brazil fighter, Márcio Pedra. However, his first fight at the North American event was exciting: a first-round submission against Jordan Dowdy. Will there be a second victory in a row?
BELLATOR 170 TECHNICAL SHEET:
DATE AND TIME: 21/01/2017, from 22pm (Brasília time)
PLACE: The Forum, Inglewood, United States
STREAMING: FOX Sports
Light heavyweight: Chael Sonnen x Tito Ortiz
Welterweight: Brennan ward x Paul Daley
Midfielder: Hisaki Kato x Ralek Gracie
Penalty: Georgi Karakhanyan x Emmanuel sanchez
Lightweight: Derek Campos x Derek Anderson
Penalty: Chinzo Machida x Jamar Ocampo*
Welterweight: Guilherme Bomba x John Mercurio*
*Preliminary card fights
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