Bellator 222 Predictions

Later tonight, Bellator has another card and this one it’s in Madison Square Garden. It’s a great card which features the likes of Chael Sonnen, Dillon Danis, undefeated Neiman Gracie, Lyoto Machida, Rory MacDonald and a handful of others. It’s a fantastic card and one we just have to predict so let’s get cracking.

Ricky Bandejas Vs. Patrick Mix (Bantamweight)

At the age of 25, Patrick Mix has a bright future - he’s 10-0 and he could be a major player in the world of MMA. I think Patrick Mix will extend his winning ways and go to 11-0 and I see him winning with a first round submission.

Prediction: Patrick Mix (Round 1; Submission)

Eduardo Dantas Vs. Juan Archuleta (Featherweight)

This should be a fun bantamweight fight. Juan Archuleta is a fantastic fighter with a great record of 21-1. He takes on Eduardo Dantas and this could go either way but I think the way I see it going is in favour of Archuleta by decision.

Prediction: Juan Archuleta (Decision)

Dillon Dani’s Vs. Max Humphrey (Catchweight)

It’s good to see Dillon Danis back in the cage fighting again. He made his professional MMA debut in April of last year and it’s about time he’s fighting again. He takes on 3-2, Max Humphrey who is on a one fight losing streak which I believe will extend to two as I’m predicting a Danis victory in the first round with a submission.

Prediction: Dillon Danis (Round 1; Submission)

Darrion Caldwell (C) Vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (Bellator Bantamweight Championship)

This has potential to be an outstanding fight. The challenger, Kyoji Horiguchi hasn’t even hit me 30 yet however is already 27-2 inside the cage with one of those wins already being over Caldwell back in December and six months later - it’s the rematch. Horiguchi has already fought since that date by beating Ben Nyguen earlier in the year however Caldwell hasn’t fought since yang defeat to Horiguchi. Despite losing the fight fight, I’m going with Darion Caldwell winning this fight for a few reasons. Caldwell had a considerably smaller camp compared to his other fights in lead up to Rizin 14 which was a big factor. Japanese stars coming from Japan don’t usually go to well for them with the exception of a few. I’m going with a Caldwell victory but I think it’ll be in the hands of the judges to determine the winner.

Prediction: Darrion Caldwell (Decision)

Lyoto Machida Vs. Chael Sonnen (Light Heavyweight)

This is a hard fight to predict but I’m going with Chael Sonnen to win this one. Both men have already established careers in MMA and honestly, they’re past 40 - it’s not like we need to see fights like these anymore. I wish Bellator stopped relying on older names like Wanderli Silva and Chael Sonnen but it is what is and after going 3 rounds, I think Sonnen will win via decision.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen (Decision)

Rory MacDonald (C) Vs. Neiman Gracie (Bellator Welterweight Championship)

I can’t imagine MacDonald winning after admitting that he doesn’t have that “killer instinct” any longer which is a shame as a fight fan as the guy is only 29 years old and one must wonder if he’s actually peaked? I think Gracie has this win, you know. He’s 9-0 and EIGHT of this wins are by submission. MacDonald interestingly enough has never lost by submission and it’ll be a huge statement by Gracie if he can make MacDonald tap out and I think it’s going to happen.

Prediction: Neiman Gracie (Round 2: Submission)