Quite possibly the most skilled matchup in Bellator MMA history is going to happen this fall.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that the promotion will soon announce a champ vs. champ superfight between Gegard Mousasi and Rory MacDonald for September 29th in San Jose, California. Mousasi, the reigning middleweight titleholder, will put his belt on the line against the current welterweight king.
Mousasi (44-6-2) signed with Bellator last year after the UFC did not re-sign him in free agency. While he left the UFC on an absolute tear and on the cusp of a middleweight title shot, his Bellator debut was rather underwhelming, when he scraped by Alexander Shlemenko by decision. In his title fight against Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 200, Mousasi looked outstanding, winning by first-round TKO to become Bellator’s newest 185-pound champion.
MacDonald (20-4) won the Bellator welterweight title with a gutsy decision win over Douglas Lima in January. He’s best known for his epic rematch with then-champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 189, losing by fifth-round TKO after going up three rounds to one on the judges’ scorecards. Following a loss to Stephen Thompson, MacDonald also entered free agency and went to Bellator MMA. His debut was a dominant second-round submission vs. Paul Daley, which earned him a title shot.
Rory initially said he wanted to defend his title before going up to 185 to face Mousasi, but then had a change of heart last month. If he prevails, he’ll become the first two-division champion in Bellator history.
In addition to Mousasi vs. McDonald, this unnamed Bellator event is also expected to feature a fourth bout between Wanderlei Silva and Quinton Jackson. A press conference will be held on July 26th with further details.