Former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (16-2) is busy preparing himself for one of the toughest fights of his career right now. When he steps into the octagon on April 30 in Toronoto, Canada he’ll be bringing the pressures of having lost two fights in a row and the prospects of losing a third bout, when he faces UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.
Machida lost a controversial split decision to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 123 in his last appearance, which had him coming in off his first career loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in their back-to-back title bouts. Machida was awarded a unanimous decision in his first meeting with Rua, one that many felt should have been awarded to “Shogun” so the two were immediately rebooked and “Shogun” left no question as to the winner by knocking out “The Dragon” in the first round.
In an interview with Tatame.com, Machida talked about his preparations for meeting a notable wrestler in Couture, the pressures of losing three straight, plus more including his thoughts on Jon Jones vs. Rua in March. Be sure to check out the interview at the link above.
Couture is known for his efficient Wrestling and his dirty boxing on the clinch… Have you set a game plan for it?
This is his strong point, but he has evolved a lot along with the sport. As he always competed in high level, he doesn’t do only thing and one thing only. The clinch game may be his strongest weapon, but we’ve noticed many areas he’s good at. He dodges well, he has good takedowns…You’re coming from two losses and have been criticized a lot, event by UFC’s president. Do you believe you’re on a complicated situation on the event? Do you think a loss can lead you to a dismissal?
Of course. UFC considers the incomes a lot, the profits, and if I’m not pleasing the fans anymore, they won’t feel sorry for me. That’s why I’ve always invested on me a lot, and it won’t be any different now. If I did a lot, I’ll do a lot more now. I’ll give my best trying to win. If I have to bring the best professionals, I will. I’ll be far, geographically, but I can bring the guys to help me here in Belem.At least it won’t be on the United States, otherwise you’d have 50 thousand cheering against you, right?
I don’t think it’s too hard to happen, because Randy is well liked anywhere, he has a great name and went far on the sport. But there’s this American-Canadian rivalry, and I’m counting on it (laughs).