Tag: Lyoto Machida

Khalil Rountree alleged to have knocked out ex-UFC star Lyoto Machida years ago: ‘I have footage somewhere’

Khalil Rountree alleged to have knocked out UFC star Lyoto Machida I have footage somewhereEmerging as a knockout force at the light heavyweight limit, surging division finisher, Khalil Rountree allegedly knocked out former…

Khalil Rountree alleged to have knocked out UFC star Lyoto Machida I have footage somewhere

Emerging as a knockout force at the light heavyweight limit, surging division finisher, Khalil Rountree allegedly knocked out former division champion, Lyoto Machida earlier in his mixed martial arts career, according to UFC analyst and desk host, Karen Bryant. 

Rountree, who is likely set to crack the light heavyweight division’s top-10 come the release of the new rankings tomorrow, turned in his fifth consecutive victory at UFC Vegas 83 over the course of the weekend in a co-main event return.

Landing his fifth consecutive win and fourth knockout stoppage as part of that impressive winning streak, Rountree stopped former title challenger, Anthony Smith with a third round knockout win at the UFC Apex facility.

Khalil Rountree alleged to have KO’ed Lyoto Machida earlier in his career

The victory came as Rountree’s ninth career knockout from thirteen total wins, adding to prior stoppages of Chris Daukaus, Modestas Bukauskas, Gokhan Saki, and Paul Craig of note during his Octagon tenure.

And staking his claim for a big-name fight in his next walk, during the UFC Vegas 83 post-fight show, Rountree appeared to have been caught on the spot – with above-mentioned analyst, Bryant alluding to footage she obtained of the Californian knocking out Brazilian icon and former light heavyweight champion, Machida earlier in his career. 

Laying out his immediate plans for the future, The Ultimate Fighter alum, Rountree claimed fans are clamouring for a light heavyweight title fight between himself and incumbent gold holder, Alex Pereira in the near future. 

“Say they [the UFC] put me at number ten and not number eight, where Anthony (Smith) was – so from nine up, in my opinion, and i think in the fans’ opinion, the most exciting fight would be me versus (Alex) Pereira,” Khalil Rountree told assembled media after UFC Vegas 83. “That’s just what I’ve seen from comments. After Alex’s win, I got flooded, people tagging me, and I think it makes sense.”

Who would you like to see Khalil Rountree fight after his UFC Vegas 83 win?

Lyoto Machida picks out 2 potential opponents for UFC retirement fight

Lyoto MachidaFormer UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, has offered up several names of potential opponents as he aims to return to the UFC for his final MMA fight. Machida parted ways from the organisation in 2018 after back-to-back victories over Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort. He would sign for Bellator and make an impressive start […]

Lyoto Machida

Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, has offered up several names of potential opponents as he aims to return to the UFC for his final MMA fight.

Machida parted ways from the organisation in 2018 after back-to-back victories over Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort. He would sign for Bellator and make an impressive start which saw him defeat Rafael Carvalho and fellow UFC alumni, Chael Sonnen.

However, things would begin to go south from here for Machida as he lost his next four bouts, most recently being stopped by Fabian Edwards in the first round at Bellator 281.

Machida recently revealed that he has been released by Bellator and wishes to return to the UFC to compete in what would be his final MMA matchup.

During an interview with Canal Encarada, Machida laid out his plans and suggested several potential opponents with whom he wishes to share his last dance.

“I like the UFC a lot and I’ve always loved fighting there,” Machida said. “I know it’s not easy with the way the UFC works today, but I would love doing one final fight in the UFC, maybe in Brazil. A farewell fight. It was in the UFC that I had the most exposure, where I was champion, and I’m grateful for everything I lived there.”

“I had no conflicts with the UFC even when I left because I always respected their position as promoters, and that was very important because I knew my place,” he added. “The UFC is the biggest platform in MMA, can’t compare. I liked fighting in Bellator because I needed that change, but I’m in a different moment today.”

Lyoto Machida suggests Luke Rockhold or Robbie Lawler as potential final opponents

At age 44, Lyoto Machida no longer wishes to face the up-and-coming athletes in this game and prefers to face a fellow veteran of the sport in his final outing. ‘The Dragon’ even has several potential names that spring to mind.

“There are many guys that fit well,” Lyoto Machida said. “Luke Rockhold is a nice name, Robbie Lawler too, because they have a similar age and have similar interest in fighting one last time and retiring.”

Luke Rockhold had retired upon his final outing when he shared the cage with Brazilian powerhouse, Paulo Costa, back at UFC 278. However, since that moment the former middleweight champion has gone back on his statement and re-instated his interest in still competing under the UFC banner.

His other ideal opponent, Robbie Lawler, is still actively competing and returns to the octagon on December 10th to take on Argentinian brawler, Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Should Machida be granted his wish, he feels fans of the sport would enjoy seeing him face off against either of the two previously named opponents.

“Everybody would like watching that,” Lyoto Machida said. “I’m in great shape, never entered a fight untrained. I’m training every day.” (Transcribed by MMAFighting)

Acting as a UFC matchmaker, who would you partner up with Lyoto Machida in his final octagon appearance?

Lyoto Machida vs. Shogun Rua 3 reportedly in the works for UFC 283 in Brazil

Lyoto MachidaA trilogy bout between two Brazilian legends of the sport could be set to take place at UFC 283, as early reports of a fight between Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua begin to surface. Since the winter of 2018, former UFC middleweight champion Lyoto Machida has been competing for Bellator MMA, where he amassed a […]

Lyoto Machida

A trilogy bout between two Brazilian legends of the sport could be set to take place at UFC 283, as early reports of a fight between Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua begin to surface.

Since the winter of 2018, former UFC middleweight champion Lyoto Machida has been competing for Bellator MMA, where he amassed a record of 2-4. ‘The Dragon’ started strong, picking up back-to-back wins over Rafael Carvalho and Chael Sonnen. However, the tail end of his time with Bellator saw him drop four consecutive losses, culminating with a brutal round one KO loss to Fabian Edwards.

The loss to Edwards was the last on Lyoto Machida’s Bellator contract, leaving him free to test the open market. Whilst many called for the now 44 years old Machida to hang up the gloves, it appears that he may be returning to the premier MMA promotion for one final fight.

Jorge Guimaraes, Machida’s manager, reached out to the UFC after hearing that the promotion was making the trip out to Brazil in early 2023. Guimaraes pitched a trilogy bout between Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua, seemingly receiving a positive response from the UFC.

“When I heard ‘Shogun was doing his last fight at UFC Rio, I immediately called (UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell) offering Lyoto for a trilogy,” Guimaraes said to Sherdog. “Hunter told me they initially were planning on someone like Tyson Pedro to fight Shogun, but he liked the idea and told me he was going to talk to Dana [White] about it. I have no doubt the Brazilian audience would love that matchup. Two champions, two legends of the sport, one win for each, doing their rubber match on the night of both of their retirement fights. Shogun is already a Hall of Famer, Lyoto also deserves that.” (H/T/ BJ PENN)

Machida defended his UFC middleweight title against Shogun in 2009. ‘The Dragon’ defeated his countryman via unanimous decision. However, the fight would be immediately rebooked, this time with a very different result. Rua knocked Machida out in the first round.

With both fighters now in the twilight of their careers, one final bout in front of a Brazilian crowd, to end this trilogy, makes a lot of sense.

A fourth bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno is also reportedly set to take place on this card. Also in the mix are the following fights:

Brad Tavares vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Mounir Lazzez

Josiane Nunes vs. Zarah Fairn

Would you like to see Lyoto Machida vs. Shogun Rua 3 at UFC 283?

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Bellator’s “Gegard Mousasi Is The Most Underrated Fighter In MMA”, Another Former UFC Champion Agrees

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gegard Mousasi, Lyoto MachidaFormer UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Gegard Mousasi is the most underrated fighter in the sport. Gegard Mousasi is set to take on Johnny Eblen this Friday at Bellator 282. His last outing came against Austin Vanderford earlier in February in Dublin, Ireland. Mousasi put on a sensational performance needing less than a minute […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gegard Mousasi, Lyoto Machida

Former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Gegard Mousasi is the most underrated fighter in the sport.

Gegard Mousasi is set to take on Johnny Eblen this Friday at Bellator 282. His last outing came against Austin Vanderford earlier in February in Dublin, Ireland. Mousasi put on a sensational performance needing less than a minute and a half to dispatch his opponent in the main event.

A trend we see repeated in his fights is his calmness inside the cage. Vanderford came out swinging hard from the first minute and despite throwing the kitchen sink at the 36-year-old Dutchman, he was unable to pressure him out of his game. Mousasi handed ‘The Gentleman’ the first loss of his professional career.

Khabib Nurmagomedov says “Gegard Mousasi is the most underrated fighter”

Following the win at Bellator 275, Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Twitter to heap praises on Mousasi.

“@mousasi_mma is the most underrated fighter in MMA today. Congratulations Gegard #Bellator275“

Mousasi’s next bout is against another undefeated challenger in Johnny Elben who also happens to train at the American Top Team gym alongside Vanderford. The pair will take to the octagon at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Currently on a four-fight win streak, ‘The Dreamcatcher’ has won 12 of his last 13 fights including his time in the UFC.

Lyoto Machida shares support for Mousasi

Another former UFC champion who expressed his support for Mousasi is Lyoto Machida, who fought Mousasi on two occasions, winning and losing one each.

“Nobody believes in what he can do, because his technique is very ordinary, nothing flashy,” said Machida. “But it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t kick as high as someone else, or he doesn’t do jump knees. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that he is good everywhere, so well-rounded and so calm. He can fight anybody and has fought everybody, and he wins.” (h/t ESPN)

The Bellator middleweight also has a win over Mark Hunt. Mousasi took on the much larger “Super Samoan” in a 2009 tournament under Dream, and managed to secure a first-round straight armbar submission.

Meanwhile, Gegard Mousasi remains unaffected by the talks. Much like Fedor Emelianenko, the composed Mousasi does not care about the titles and has only one aim ahead. “I don’t give a f— about belts,” Mousasi said. “I’m here to make money.”

Fabian Edwards Knocks Lyoto Machida Out Cold In 1 Round – Bellator 281 Highlights

Fabian EdwardsFabian Edwards has knocked former UFC champion Lyoto Machida unconscious in the first round of the co-main event of Bellator 281. Fabian Edwards, the brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards, picked up the biggest win of his career to date. The two men began somewhat tentatively, trading leg kicks back and forth. However, the […]

Fabian Edwards

Fabian Edwards has knocked former UFC champion Lyoto Machida unconscious in the first round of the co-main event of Bellator 281.

Fabian Edwards, the brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards, picked up the biggest win of his career to date. The two men began somewhat tentatively, trading leg kicks back and forth. However, the entire momentum of the fight changed when they clinched. Edwards landed a brutal elbow on the break that had ‘The Dragon’ reeling.

From that point on, Edwards continued to lay it on, landing three massive left hands to send the former UFC champ crumbling to the canvas. Several follow-up shots ensured Machida would not be making it back to his feet anytime soon.

Edwards wins via 1st round KO.

Below, check out the highlights of Fabian Edwards’ brutal KO of Lyoto Machida:

Lyoto Machida Plans To Test Free Agency After Final Bellator Fight

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida says he still has the desire to fight again. Machida is set to fight out his Bellator contract in his next fight, and he revealed he plans to test free agency after that. “[Bellator] came to us and said, ‘Let’s renew [the contract] one more time if Lyoto […]

Continue Reading Lyoto Machida Plans To Test Free Agency After Final Bellator Fight at MMA News.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida says he still has the desire to fight again.

Machida is set to fight out his Bellator contract in his next fight, and he revealed he plans to test free agency after that.

“[Bellator] came to us and said, ‘Let’s renew [the contract] one more time if Lyoto wants to,’ and whatever, and we said no, let’s fight this one first and then we’ll see,” Machida said to MMAFighting. “Every fight is a different fight for me. I saw it that way in the past, and even more now.”

Although Lyoto Machida says he wants to fight again, he isn’t sure where it will be. He says he wants to be challenged and doesn’t want any easy fights to end his career.

Lyoto Machida
Fernando Quiles Jr., MMA News

Not only does he want to be challenged, but the former UFC champion says he wants to be the one to retire from MMA, not being forced out as many veterans are. He still believes he is competing at a high level at 43-years-old but is on a three-fight losing streak.

“I don’t want to end it like most people end their careers,” said Machida. “I want to get to a point and say, ‘Well, I think I’m good.’ I don’t want other people telling me, ‘Lyoto, I you can’t do it anymore,’ or whatever. The way I feel and train, I’m the one that decides. We must have the opportunity to fight, of course. I might know how to wire walk, but there’s no point if I don’t have the wire. I want to continue fighting. I don’t know if [I’ll do] three or four more fights.

“When I was younger, 10 years ago, I was taught to fight every fight as if it was my last; ‘Lyoto, a samurai enters a fight as if it’s last fight.’ You must give your all in training and in the fight, mentally speaking. And now, more than ever, I can’t come here imagining I’ll have three, four, five fights. Every fight is like my last fight. Not in a sense of ending my career, but in the sense of giving my all. And that’s when I’ll make my decision. The fire is still burning inside me and that’s what matters the most. I want to innovate. I want to create a different game. I want to do different things that give me a different experience. And [I want to] fight.”

When and who Machida fights next is uncertain, but it may be his final fight in Bellator.

Who would you like to see Lyoto Machida face next?

Continue Reading Lyoto Machida Plans To Test Free Agency After Final Bellator Fight at MMA News.