JARAGUA DO SUL, Brazil — Lyoto Machida has added another victory to his record since cutting down to the middleweight division, and he’s closer to a shot at the title.
Machida defeated former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi at the main event of UFC Fight Night 36 in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, and was happy with his performance despite the lack of finish.
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“We always want the knockout or the submission,” Machida said at the post-fight press conference, “but Mousasi is a tough fighter, a former champion in the U.S. and Japan, so when you fight a guy like him a small detail can make the difference. It was a tough fight.”
Machida may need some time off to heal his foot, since he believes he may have broken it in the third round against Mousasi.
“My foot is a little sore, it’s hard to walk,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s broken or not, I’ll have to check it later in the hospital. It hurts a little.”
With a 2-0 record in the middleweight division, “The Dragon” wants a shot at the winner of Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort next.
“I’ll be ready for the title,” he said.
“I’m already thinking about the title, but it’s up to the UFC. They have great fighters, like Jacare. It’s their decision, and I’ll be waiting.”
If UFC president Dana White decides to match Machida vs. Ronaldo Souza, who defeated Francis Carmont at UFC Fight Night 36 co-main event, he will take the bout.
“This division has a lot of great fighters,” Machida said. “I wouldn’t want this fight, but if they want it we’ll have to fight.”