Lyoto Machida may have crane kicked his way back into title contention.
While nothing is official, the UFC could offer the Brazilian a shot at light heavyweight champion Jon Jones depending on the status of anointed top contender Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
After his UFC 130 bout with Matt Hamill, Jackson admitted that he had sustained a hand fracture prior to the fight. Despite a doctor’s confirmation of the injury, Jackson still decided to take the fight.
The bout was noticeably one-sided, as Jackson bested the exchanges and stuffed all of Hamill’s takedown attempts en route to a unanimous decision.
In a division plagued with injuries, Jackson’s victory over Hamill pretty much assured a 2011 meeting with Jones, but those plans could be scrapped if he isn’t medically cleared.
According to TATAME, Machida is prepared to step in for Jackson if given the opportunity.
“I’m ready. I’m already moving to another training part, and I’d be ready to fight in 12 weeks,” Machida said in a phone interview.
After losing back-to-back bouts to Mauricio Rua and Quinton Jackson, Machida bounced back at UFC 129 with a highlight reel knockout win over UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.
The victory could grant Machida an opportunity to reclaim his light heavyweight title, but he doesn’t want to get his hopes up.
“There’s nothing yet, but it’s a great chance for me,” said Machida. “I don’t want to create hopes, and I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but if they do it, I’ll get this big opportunity to restart my walk in the UFC.”
Since becoming UFC champion, Jones has skyrocketed up the pound-for-pound rankings. His world class status can be attributed to an everlasting reach, high level grappling and a propensity for unorthodox stand up.
Fans have continuously scratched their heads over possible opponents that would prove to be a legit threat to Jones’ reign.
Could Machida be that guy?
“We know Jones is a great champion. He showed why (against Shogun), but everybody has strong and weak points,” stated Machida. “I haven’t studied Jones’ game yet because he was never ‘my problem,’ but I already saw him fighting.”
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com