Lyoto Machida Open To Fighting Again Before UFC Title Shot

[No More Sorrow]

"It doesn't matter what is my next fight," Machida today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (MMAjunkie.com Radio | MMAjunkie.com). "I would like to fight for the title, but even another fight I would fight."
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Still polishing his English skills, Machida was far more modest in speaking about his career during today's interview. But passion colored his voice when he spoke about the chance to win back the belt.


"I just want to be a champion again," he said. "It doesn't matter who my opponent is."
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In his first bid to win back the title, Machida faced Jones at UFC 140 and won the first round on one judge's scorecard. But that was tossed out the window when Jones choked him unconscious in the second round.


Machida said he'll need to focus on his wrestling to be successful the second time around.


"I think I have another chance," he said. "Because it was difficult for [Jones]. I beat him in the first round, but Jones is a great athlete and fighter. He changes his style all the time. He has a good coach and good strategy, but I think I have a chance to beat him.


"He has good wrestling, and his reach is very long. I have to train a lot on how to get inside, and how I can beat him. He's very tough. He can control the fight when he uses his wrestling. That's why I have to train more wrestling, and more defense."


Machida surprised many by weighing in well below the light-heavyweight cutoff of 206 pounds at a mere 201. There were suggestions of a possible move down to middleweight, but today, the fighter said he felt comfortable coming in a little lighter.


"I feel quicker and fresher with more agility," he said. "I can use my technique more easily because I feel very light."


Whether size becomes an issue against Jones, who has openly spoken of moving to heavyweight, is a question for later.


This past Saturday, Machida provided an answer to a different question: who is next in line for the title shot.


"Life poses a lot more challenges than easy things, so when you're faced with a challenge, you've just got to step up to the plate, and that's what I do," he said.

I wouldn't mind this, but i also wouldn't want to see him lose his title shot if he loses. I say just wait for Jones.

 

[Slim]

I always like seeing Machida fight but it would be bad if he were to lose but who could beat him? Who would be a fight he could have inbetween?

But it was crazy how people jumped on he would drop to 185 cause he came in at 201. I mean its only a few pounds lighter but its still over 200. Machida... he is gonna give the champ a real run whether it is Jones or Hendo.

 

[The Cork]

Would always be fun to see him give Rashad the stanky leg again.

I respect him for not being a puss like Condit/Eric Koch, but he may as well wait because Bones will prol be fighting again early next year.