One-strike knockout capability.
It’s what makes Lyoto Machida’s fights compelling even through his maddening stretches of inactivity.
“The Dragon” stuck again Saturday, landing the only blow that counted in his UFC Fight Night main event against Mark Munoz in Manchester, England.
A big left head kick landed in such an efficient manner that it knocked Munoz out even though Munoz had his hand up to block the kick.
More Coverage: UFC Fight Night 30 Results | UFC news
Download MMA Fighting iPhone App
The former light heavyweight champion’s middleweight debut went into the books as a knockout at 3:10 of the first round.
Munoz was originally slated to meet Michael Bisping on Saturday, but Bisping had to put out of the fight due to ongoing eye issues. That created a situation in which Machida, who was scheduled to fight Tim Kennedy next month, was paired up against his friend and training partner.
Machida held back on following up after the knockout. After referee Leon Roberts waved off the fight and Munoz returned to his feet, the duo embraced.
“It’s very hard to me because Mark is a good friend for me,” said Machida. “But as a professional I don’t think about that. I just focus on my job, now my friendship with Mark can continue.”
Machida indicated that middleweight will remain his home for the foreseeable future.
“[The weight] cut was very hard for me, very strict diet for one month,” Machida said. “But I got it. I will stay at 185, I like to fight there.”
Machida improved to 20-4 in his career. Munoz (13-4) has dropped two of three.