Rory MacDonald (21-5-1) was in need of an impressive outing after victory alluded him in his last two fights. A five-round domination of Neiman Gracie (9-1) gave the welterweight champion just that behind scores of 49-46, 48-47, 48-47.
MacDonald was too much for his challenger on the feet and the mat. Gracie’s name typically makes for a dangerous foe on the ground and he wasn’t shy to throw up submissions. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old MacDonald was well-prepared.
The win snaps an odd two-fight skid for MacDonald, jumping up to middleweight to be crushed by Gegard Mousasi before settling for a majority-draw with Jon Fitch at Bellator 220.
“I feel pretty good. It’s such an honor to be able to compete in an arena like this in New York City,” MacDonald said.
Of his next opponent, Douglas Lima: “That’s a tough one but I’m looking forward to it.”
