Fighter Profile: Lyoto Machida

Overall Record: 15-0

Hometown: Belem, Brazil

Height: 6’1” Weight: 205

Age: 30

Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida is a karate expert - turned MMA fighter - who competes in the Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) division for the UFC. He receives his training primarily from the Black House alongside UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

“The Dragon” began his MMA career six years ago after a professional wrestling attempt fizzled out in Japan. He took a fight with heavily favored Kengo Wantanabe for a Japanese promotion. He showed his karate influence early by being patient and picking his opportunities wisely. It seemed to pay off, grinding out a unanimous decision victory in his MMA debut.

Machida continued with his career by earning upset wins over Americans Stephan Bonnar and Rich Franklin while fighting in Brazil and Japan. At the time, Franklin was 12-0 in his career as a fighter, making the TKO even more impressive.

His next step involved participating in K-1’s early attempt at holding MMA events. Close decision wins over kick-boxers Michael McDonald and Sam Greco had brought Machida’s streak to five consecutive wins.

In early 2005, Machida took a fight with lightweight BJ Penn, who was in negotiations with the UFC to return to the organization. He won bringing his streak to six but was criticized for not being able to finish the fight with the much smaller Hawaiian grappler.

After a couple more impressive wins in small organizations, Machida was ready for his stiffest challenge to date. When the WFA – World Fighting Alliance – dismantled in 2006, the UFC acquired what was left over. Along with former PRIDE superstar, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Machida was considered a top investment for his new employer.

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Machida began to pay immediate dividends upon signing his deal with the top promotion in the world. In 2007 Machida earned wins over solid fighters such as Sam Hoger (UFC 67 – Decision), David Heath (UFC 70 – Decision), Kaz Nakamura (UFC 76 – Decision) and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (UFC 79 – Submission).

While running roughshod through the Light Heavyweight division, Machida began to hear criticism for his style of fighting. He was labeled as “boring” to some – due to his ability to draw the fight to a decision – and “elusive” to others. Many critics downplayed the winning streak – saying that he would run from his opponents instead of engaging them.

The critics didn’t seem to bother Machida all that much. He wasn’t being slighted by his employer, the UFC, who continued to set up top competition for Machida.

After his submission triumph over the highly-touted Sokoudjou, Machida ran his winning streak to twelve. He was also on the verge of a title shot, seemingly only one or two fights away.

In his last bout with the UFC, Tito Ortiz was matched up with the undefeated karate master in May of 2008 at UFC 84. Many believed Ortiz was “fed” to Machida as a disciplinary measure for not being on good terms with the President of the UFC, Dana White. That is a compliment in its own way.

Whatever the intentions were Ortiz proved to be an important fight for “The Dragon.” He bullied Ortiz around the cage for most of three rounds, and picked him apart with his kicks and punches. He also shrugged off a late submission attempt from “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” to earn yet another unanimous decision win.

The 13-0 Machida next faced fellow countryman Thiago Silva at UFC 94 in January of 2009 for the right to be the top contender for the Light Heavyweight belt. Silva, also riding a thirteen fight undefeated streak, presented a challenge as a heavy-handed puncher with a solid chin.

Machida met the challenge, knocking Silva out 4:59 into the 1st round. He neutralized Silva’s power with his ability to evade his opponent and not take any damage. He also gave future opponents another aspect to worry about, his powerful strikes.

The 14-0 Machida was given his biggest opportunity of his career with a title fight at UFC 98 on May 23, 2009. Light Heavyweight champion Rashad Evans will be the next opponent for Machida.

Although he has faced opponents with powerful punching ability before, none have been as skilled as the former Michigan State wrestler. Evans is a top-of-the-line wrestler who has power in both hands.

A great deal is at stake for Machida at UFC 98. He not only wants to keep his undefeated streak alive, but the Light Heavyweight belt is on the line as well. Another bonus to winning this bout may prove to be very lucrative. The rumor mill was buzzing about the winner of this title fight between Evans and Machida will serve as a coach on the 10th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite Quinton Jackson. While nothing is confirmed this would be another benefit in winning the belt.

With fourteen straight wins and a title belt on the line, Machida has almost come full circle from his early days. With a win over Evans, Machida will have climbed to the top of the UFC Light Heavyweight ladder in just six years of competition. That is a feat that some fighters will never be able to accomplish; only time will tell whether Machida can continue to be successful with his patient approach.

Recent Lyoto Machida MMA News:

• Will defend his Light Heavyweight belt for the first time against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 104 on October 24, 2009

• Lost to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by TKO at UFC 113 on May 8, 2010 in Montreal - UFC 113 results

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
Published May 2009

Photo courtesy of UFC