Sonnen (photo) beat Wand at Bellator. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook / BellatorMMA
The wait lasted more than three years. At that time, there was a lot of provocation on both sides, which caused the rivalry between Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen grew more and more and, consequently, aroused the interest of fans in a fight between the two. This Saturday (24), finally, the long-awaited reckoning took place inside the circular cage.
And better for Sonnen, who dominated Wanderlei on the ground, won the judges' unanimous decision (30×26, 30×27, 30×27) and emerged as the big victor in the main duel of Bellator 180, held in New York, at the legendary Madison Square Garden. This was the 29th victory of the American's career, as he recovered from the setback he suffered against Tito Ortiz, in January of this year.
See too
Mad Dog, in turn, who returned to acting after a four-year hiatus, was surpassed for 13th as a professional. Previously, his last performance was in March 2013, when he knocked out Brian Stann, still with the UFC.
In the post-fight interview, the loudmouth took the opportunity to challenge Fedor Emelianenko, who was knocked out by Matt Mitrione on the same card. "I finished Tito Ortiz in less than a minute, I beat Wanderlei and Fedor Emelianenko, you asked for my autograph in the end, I decided that I will give it to you, but at the end of a contract to face you!”, shot Sonnen, mocking the defeat to Tito.
The fight
The fight started with Sonnen coming at him with everything, taking down the Brazilian without difficulty. From above, the American started hitting the Brazilian, who was trying to defend himself. The pace remained the same, with Chael on top and taking advantage. However, Wand managed to take advantage of an opening given by his rival and got up. The fight returned to the center of the octagon, with Wanderlei connecting with a strong right cross, leading to Sonnen being knocked down. However, the Brazilian didn't know how to take advantage of the good moment and let his opponent get up, after a few seconds on top. Sonnen, once again, had no difficulty in applying the takedown and took the fight back to the ground, where he stayed until the bell sounded.
Sonnen, just like in the first stage, started taking the initiative, but felt like he took a hit. Without blinking, the American took the fight to the ground again, but Wand fell with the guillotine in place. The blow remained in place for more than a minute, with almost no effectiveness on both sides, until the central referee ordered the fight to stand again. But for a short time, as Chael applied another takedown. On top, Sonnen continued striking and scoring, while Silva barely reacted.
Wand came back more aggressive for the decisive stage, but he didn't have time to work, as he was quickly taken down. The scenario was the same as in the previous rounds, with Sonnen putting pressure on the Brazilian on top, who was doing little. Sonnen swept and went to half guard, trying to catch the Brazilian's arm. Silva, however, managed to defend himself. The North American continued to control the fight until the end, guaranteeing the victory on points.
BELLATOR 180 RESULTS
MAIN CARD
Light Heavyweight: Chael Sonnen derrotou Wanderlei Silva by unanimous decision of the judges (30×26, 30×27, 30×27)
Heavyweight: Matt Mitrione defeated Fedor Emelianenko by technical knockout at 1:14 of R1
Lightweight: Brent Primus defeated Michael chandler by technical knockout (medical interruption) at 2m22s of R1
Lightweight: Zach Freeman defeated Aaron Pico via submission at 24 seconds of R1
Welterweight Weight: Douglas lima defeated Lorenz Larkin by unanimous decision of the judges (48×47, 48×47, 48×47)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light Heavyweight: Ryan bader derrotou Phil Davis by split decision of the judges (49×46, 47×48, 49×46)
Average weight: Neiman Gracie x Dave Marfone
Feather weight: James Gallagher derrotou Chinzo Machida via submission (rear naked choke) at 2m22s of R1
Flyweight: Heather Hardy defeated Alice Yauger via TKO at 4:47 of R3
Lightweight: Ryan Couture defeated Haim Gozali via unanimous decision (30×26, 30×27, 30×27)
Middleweight: Anthony Giacchina defeated Jerome Mickle via submission (choke) at 3:40 of R3
Welterweight: Hugh McKenna defeated John Salgado via submission (kimura) at 4:06 of R1
Flyweight: Matt Rizzo defeated Sergio da Silva via submission (arm triangle) at 3:48 of R3
Lightweight: Bradley Desir defeated Nate Grebb via TKO at 2:54 of R1
Comments