As the next man on deck to challenge UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman for Octagon supremacy, former light heavyweight kingpin Lyoto Machida has a lot on his plate.
With just two fights at 185 pounds, “The Dragon” still has much to prove as he attempts to knock off the division’s top contenders, including the champ.
But if there’s anything that can be taken from Machida‘s heralded fighting career, it would be his ability to stick to a game plan and stay out of trouble.
“He has a good wrestling game and hits hard,” said Machida in a recent interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. “He has a good cardio but I believe a lot in what I do and in my work. I believe in me.“
As one of the very best wrestlers in the promotion, Weidman‘s game is sometimes puzzling. The fact that he packs a punch and a mean submission game on top of excellent takedowns suggests Machida will have his work cut out for him at UFC 175.
“As a champion, I know he would never take risks if he really didn’t need it,” said Machida when asked about the impact that Weidman‘s recent knee surgeries will have come Fight Night. “I don’t think he will be in disadvantage because of the surgeries. He wouldn’t risk his title, so I believe he will be 100 percent ready.“
Needless to say, the 35-year-old Brazilian is more than ready to avenge former Black House teammate and former pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva when he meets Weidman on July 5.
“I sure do (know how to beat him),” added Machida, “but I won’t tell you how now [laughs].“
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