Bellator 192 Preview, Breakdown & Analysis

Alongside UFC 220 from Boston, Bellator MMA also has an intriguing card taking place this weekend, as Bellator 192 is set to take place tonight (Jan. 20, 2018) live on the Paramount Network from The Forum in Inglewood, California.

In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will do battle with former multi-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen in the first round of Bellator’s Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.

The co-main event, meanwhile, will play host to a blockbuster welterweight title fight, as champion Douglas Lima will put his title on the line against former UFC title challenger Rory MacDonald.

Also on the main card, former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will take on Goiti Yamuchi.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at our Bellator 192 preview, breakdown, and analysis:

Quinton Jackson vs. Chael Sonnen

The story of this fight is pretty cut and dry.

Both men are at the tail end of their respective careers, as Sonnen is 40 years old and Jackson is 39 years old. Each fighter’s game plan is also quite clear, as Sonnen will look to take “Rampage” down and control him on the canvas, while Jackson will look to land big shots and score the knockout victory.

With that being said, it’ll all come down to which fighter can successfully inflict his gameplan.

Since returning to mixed martial arts following multiple suspensions, Sonnen has gone 1-1 under the Bellator. He lost via submission to Tito Ortiz last January in a bout where he looked a bit rusty and then bounced back with a win over Wanderlei Silva this past June.

In his bout with Silva, Sonnen proved that his decorated wrestling background still comes in handy, but he was also dropped in the match, which could be something to take note of heading into his bout with Jackson.

“Rampage,” on the other hand, had won five straight fights before suffering a decision defeat to Muhammed Lawal last March. Despite the winning streak, Jackson, at times, looked past his prime, although he claims to have handled some health issues and appears to be in tremendous shape heading into this weekend’s contest.

It’s also important to note that Jackson will have a huge weight advantage over Sonnen, who competed at middleweight throughout the majority of his career before moving up to 205 pounds. “The American Gangster” will likely be the faster fighter, however.

In my opinion, this fight will be determined by whether or not Sonnen can get the larger Jackson down. “Rampage” hasn’t always dealt well with wrestlers and that may be seen in this bout. If the fight stays on the feet, however, Jackson has the clear-cut advantage.

I’m going to expect Sonnen to land the takedown and control Jackson.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen def. Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision

Douglas Lima vs. Rory MacDonald

Bellator 192’s co-main event will play host to one of the best welterweight match-ups that can be made in MMA as a whole.

Although he’s criminally underrated, Douglas Lima is a phenomenal talent and proved that in his last fight when he beat UFC crossover Lorenz Larkin. He’s won eight of his last nine fights with six of those victories coming by way of T/KO. He also avenged the only loss in that stretch with a knockout victory.

On the feet, Lima is a dangerous fighter. He has strong kicks and a devastating right hand, although he has improved his left hand over the years as well. The champion is also quite athletic.

On the ground, Lima is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has 11 submission wins to his credit.

MacDonald, on the other hand, has been one of the world’s best welterweights for years. He owns a win over the reigning UFC welterweight champion in Tyron Woodley and he outclassed Paul Daley in his Bellator debut last year.

Since entering the sport, MacDonald has been viewed as a supremely well-rounded fighter training out of the famed Tristar gym.

He likes to move forward, he puts his combinations together well and he has fight-ending power, as eight of his wins have come by way of T/KO.

In terms of grappling, the “Red King” is a strong wrestler and a vicious submission artist. He has great top control and has won seven of his fights via unanimous decision.

Ultimately, I expect this to be a close fight and I could see it going either way, but I’m going to side with MacDonald, as I simply feel as if he’s the more battle-tested and talented fighter.

Prediction: Rory MacDonald def. Douglas Lima via unanimous decision

Michael Chandler vs. Goiti Yamuchi

Michael Chandler has been a staple of Bellator’s lightweight division for years, but he lost his title at Bellator NYC last June in a highly controversial bout. He’ll look to get back into the win column at Bellator 192 against the young and game Goiti Yamuchi.

Chandler is a complete fighter in every aspect. He has a decorated wrestling background having spent his collegiate days at Mizzou and he’s improved his striking over the years training under Henri Hooft. In addition, the ex-champion possesses a solid chin and an iron will.

It’s also important to note that Chandler has shared the cage with and beaten some of the best lightweights the sport has ever seen including Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson.

Yamauchi, on the other hand, possesses an impressive 22-3 professional record. He’s most known for his world-class grappling game, as 18 of his professional victories have come by way of submission. The Japanese fighter was also successful as an amateur boxer and kickboxer.

If this fight does end up on the canvas, I could see Yamauchi scoring an upset, but I just don’t think he’s ever shared the cage with a fighter the caliber of Chandler.

Prediction: Michael Chandler def. Goiti Yamuchi via unanimous decision