Report: Lyoto Machida Facing Chael Sonnen This Summer
A light heavyweight division attraction bout may be happening this summer at a yet to be announced Bellator MMA card according to Ariel Helwani of ESPN as Lyoto Machida faces Chael Sonnen.
Machida (25-8-0) is undefeated thus far under the Bellator MMA banner, having defeated former middleweight champion Rafael Carvlaho by split decision at Bellator 213. Machida is also a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, defeating Rashad Evans to win the gold at UFC 98 in May of 2009. Machida will also enter this bout on the strength of a three fight winning streak and he hasn’t suffered a defeat in over a year.
Sonnen (30-16-1) is coming off a run in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, where he made it to the semi-finals before losing to Fedor Emelianenko. Sonnen has won just two of four in Bellator MMA competition, with those wins coming against the duo of Rampage Jackson and Wanderlei Silva. Sonnen has previously challenged for the UFC Middleweight Title and UFC Light Heavyweight Title, losing to Anderson Silva (twice) and Jon Jones in those challenges.
The yet to be announced Bellator MMA card is scheduled for this summer from a location to be announced and with a main event to be announced. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, while broadcast plans have yet to be announced.
