The Bellator welterweight grand prix got underway nearly seven months ago on Sept. 29, 2018, and reigning champion Rory MacDonald finally is ready to go.
MacDonald fought that night at Bellator 206, failing in his bid for a second title as middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi dominated before scoring a second-round TKO victory to retain, sending MacDonald back to his own division a defeated man.
On Saturday, MacDonald defends his title in the last quarterfinal at Bellator 220, where he meets Jon Fitch. The 170-pound tournament has moved along, with the other three quarterfinals completed, meaning the road is all but laid out for MacDonald to arrive at a $1 million grand prize and retain his title: He has to beat Fitch, then beat Neiman Gracie in the semifinals after just a seven-week turnaround on June 14, and finish off by defeating the Michael Page-Douglas Lima winner in the finals.
Nothing about this, especially with that quick turnaround in the middle, will be easy. And so, for our Daily Debate, we asked: Do you think MacDonald makes it out of the tournament still champion?
The results (via Twitter):
To hear the MMA Junkie Radio crew of “Gorgeous” George, “Goze” and Dan Tom debate the topic, watch the video above.
For more on Bellator 220, check out the Rumors section of the site.
MMA Junkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia and Dan Tom. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio. You can also check out www.siriusxm.com/siriusxmfightnation.
