Champion, tourney winner, millionaire: Douglas Lima has it all after Bellator 232

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Douglas Lima stepped to the microphone at the Bellator 232 post-fight press conference beaming with joy.

And who could blame him? In Saturday night’s main event, the former welterweight champion became the current champion. Lima (32-7 MMA, 14-3 BMMA) defeated Rory MacDonald (21-6-1 MMA, 3-2-1 BMMA) in the card’s main event, which also served as the final of the welterweight grand prix tournament.

It’s been an up-and-down road for Lima. At one point he was even told by doctor’s his fighting future was cloudy and he may never compete again.

But he’s now a three-time Bellator welterweight champion, matching Michael Chandler at lightweight as the only Bellator fighters to hold the same weight-class belt three times.

Lima strolled in to the presser and stood behind a podium filled with props: Two title belts, a big bottle of 50 Cent’s “Le Chemin Du Roi” champagne, and a large check for $1 million decorated the stage.

“I’m still kind of processing everything, but it feels good,” Lima said. “It feels good. I’m happy. I’m happy I got the win. I’ve got to go back and watch the fight. It wasn’t as exciting as we expected, but man, Rory is as tough as they come.

“He came in with a great game plan and moved a lot. It was a little hard to time everything, but I think we did damage. We defended the takedowns and we got the win. That’s what matters.”

The tournament victory isn’t solely a representation of three wins inside the cage. To Lima, it symbolized how far he’s come. On top of the world, Lima reflected on the times he was at rock bottom.

“(We) heard what the doctors said, ‘He’ll never be back to do this again,’” Lima said. “I think this is it… Today I’m here. Three-time world champion. I beat one of the best in the world to do it, so I’m proud of myself for that. I just thank God for everything. I’m happy.”

In one fight, Lima clinched a tournament championship, a divisional championship, and a $1 million prize. Which means the most to him? Lima said, off the top of his head, the welterweight title belt, but will wait to let the moment sink in before truly answering that question.

“Of course everyone is going to think money,” Lima said. “And if I say the belt, people are going to say I’m lying. This is important for me. Money comes and goes. I think for me that’s a bonus. Maybe it’s because it didn’t settle yet; because I didn’t deposit it yet. It still doesn’t feel real. But this right here is real for me, man. This is where all the work goes into it.

“It’s important for me to be a champion.”

Bellator 232 took place Saturday at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card streamed on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

For more from Lima, watch the video above.