Gegard Mousasi talks smack at Lyoto Machida, but Machida is just dreaming about bigger and better things following his UFC exit; like fighting Fedor.
It’s strange to talk about Lyoto Machida as a non-UFC fighter. He exited the Octagon the way he entered; a pugilistic symbol of grace. His front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort was a violent deja vu recall to Belfort’s loss to Anderson Silva, but unfortunately — it would also be his last.
It’s a tough spot for the former UFC champion. Bellator signed Machida to a multi-fight deal after the UFC was slow to match their offer. Since then, Gegard Mousasi — a lowkey, but underrated trash talker — has had some choice words for Machida.
It’s weird to think about two fairly quiet fighters brewing some classic outrage against one another, but there it is. For Mousasi, Machida looks different, and that’s all the evidence you need to know that Machida is ‘juicing’. In hyping a potential bout, he’s claimed he’d love a rematch if “cheater” Machida underwent strict drug testing.
Nevermind that the substance Machida was banned for — 7-heto-DHEA — only has the potential to burn fat, but doesn’t affect testosterone, muscle mass, nitrogen retention, increase red blood cell count or anything else that would profile like a steroid.
In typical Machida fashion, he doesn’t claim any ill will toward USADA, he told Guilherme Cruz (via MMA Fighting).
“I’m in favor of the anti-doping system in the sport, I believe it’s good for the sport, but I’m not in favor of how USADA deals with many cases,” Machida said. “I think sometimes they are too harsh and don’t take into consideration how the situation occurred, the athlete’s past, similar situations that could be seen when making a hard decision on a professional athlete’s career, who lives and depends on it.
“I won’t say I left the UFC because of USADA, no way, but today I feel lighter without USADA,” he continued. “I feel lighter. The thing that you have to report where you are going generated so much stress. Today I’m free, more relaxed. I’m living happier in that aspect.”
As for Mousasi, again; no ill will.
”Everything Mousasi says only motivates me,” Machida said. “I have a win over him and I think he’s a little bothered by it. But I think it’s an easier fight to promote now. I’m very motivated and I want this opportunity, especially with him as a champion.”
It’s unfortunate we don’t get to see Machida in the UFC, but he’ll have plenty of solid options, including a potential showdown with Fedor Emelianenko, which he calls “an honor” and a “dream.”