Having lost the UFC light heavyweight title and suffering two straight losses, Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (16-2) is looking to climb back up the division ladder in an effort to regain his title. He starts that journey on April 30 when he meets former two division UFC champion Randy Couture at UFC 130.
Machida lost his last fight to another former 205 champ, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 123 last November. “The Dragon” would lose a controversial split decision, one that even his opponent felt should have gone the other way. Previous to that bout, was a knockout loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 113, in their back-to-back title rematch.
Speaking to Tapology.com, Machida reflected on the loss to Jackson, which can be found at the link, as well as his upcoming fight with Couture.
“The time is right now and it is going to happen. I am honored and looking forward to fighting Couture. He is a legend in our sport, he has done a lot to popularize MMA, especially with the American fans, and has been involved in historic fights. I believe this fight won’t by any different. He is going to impose his game, but I will counter. I will be very prepared. There is no pressure on me for the title. I want to be involved in great fights and make my way back to the top.”