UFC will wait for UFC 173 outcome before deciding on Machida title shot
JARAGUA DO SUL, Brazil – The initial indication from the UFC is that despite his UFC Fight Night 36 win, Lyoto Machida is not necessarily confirmed as the No. 1 middleweight contender.
Brazilian UFC official Grace Tourinho told MMAjunkie that the promotion is waiting for the outcome of an upcoming title fight between champ Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort at UFC 173 before making a decision on the next belt challenger. The event takes place on May 24 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“In reality, we still have a fight that has to be done, so we need to wait for that fight to happen and then I’m sure everyone will get their chances,†Tourinho said at Saturday’s post-event presser at Arena Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.
Despite his uncertain future, Machida (21-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) drew high praise from UFC President Dana White for his tactical unanimous decision over Gegard Mousasi (34-4-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in the event’s headliner, which marked his second straight win since dropping to the 185-pound division.
“It was a great fight!†he tweeted. “Lyoto looked f–king awesome against someone NASTY.â€
White said prior to UFC Fight Night 36 that Machida could earn a title shot by beating Mousasi, but didn’t offer a confirmation. Now, it appears he is on hold.
Of course, the change of direction could be related to the fight’s overall buzz. Saturday’s five-round headliner capped a night where 10 of 12 fights went to the scorecards. Machida and Mousasi heatedly exchanged at points, but never threw caution to the wind or landed blows significant enough to permanently alter the fight’s momentum.
Machida nonetheless pitched a shutout on two of three judges’ scorecards, earning scores of 49-46 and 50-45 twice.
At the press conference, “The Dragon†admitted that he may have injured his foot during the bout. He seemed to acknowledge that his performance stopped short of producing a definitive statement, but added he was ready to vie for the belt.
“The thing is, we always want to be able to get a knockout or submit our opponents, but Mousasi’s a very tough fighter,†Machida told MMAjunkie. “He’s show us he’s been a champion in the U.S. and Japan, so when you’re going against one of the top fighters, a single detail can make all the difference. So I think it was a very tough fight. I have to watch it again, but I’m sure I’m ready for the title bout.â€
Machida, a former light heavyweight champ, already has seen one title opportunity slip through his hands. He was confirmed as the No. 1 contender at 205 pounds with a knockout of Ryan Bader, but lost the designation when he turned down a short-notice title rematch with Jon Jones at UFC 152 and then lost to Phil Davis. He then announced his decision to move to middleweight.
The question now is whether he can capitalize in his new class, and whether he’ll be healthy when opportunity knocks again.
“[My foot] is slightly swollen; it’s difficult to step,†Machida said. “I don’t know if I, in fact, broke my foot or not. I have to get an X-ray, but I’m trying to protect it as best as possible, putting a lot of ice on it. I have a boot on, but it’s hurting me.â€
