ROUNDTABLE: Who wins between Rory Macdonald and Neiman Gracie?

Aaron Weinbaum, Aaronsayswhat.com Rory.

Who has Neiman beat at his level?

Sean Covington, MMATorch Contributor

I think Rory picks Neiman apart the entire fight. Neiman is really good but I think Rory is too much for him at this stage of his career. Rory said some things that may make people believe he is unmotivated so I’m not entirely sure about my pick.

Frank Hyden, MMATorch Columnist

I’m going with MacDonald to pull out the close decision. I’m not expecting much from this fight because I think MacDonald fights very conservatively as he won’t want to get caught by Gracie. I think this is a close fight, maybe even a split decision, but that MacDonald pulls it off and gets the win.

Aaron Crider, MMATorch contributor

Neiman Gracie is on a tear right now. He’s won all seven of his Bellator fights, all of which were by submission. I think he will have a long run, but I am leaning toward Rory MacDonald. He has more experience than Gracie and he has more tools to work with. Not to mention all the time he spent training under Georges St-Pierre.

Mike Hiscoe MMATorch Columnist

Dana White says a lot of things that are complete BS, but one thing I think he’s right about is that when a fighter starts talking about retirement, or not being motivated to fight, then they’re done. Rory MacDonald did just that after his fight with Jon Fitch less than two months ago and he’s making a quick turnaround to fight Neiman Gracie here at Bellator 222. Gracie hasn’t fought anyone at Rory MacDonald’s level but I’m not sure that MacDonald is at Rory MacDonald level anymore. I don’t think MacDonald will give up the submission easily but I do think Gracie will be able to wear him down and take a fifth-round TKO win.

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