After his third consecutive defeat, Lyoto confirms his return to middleweight and challenges champion

L. Machida hasn't won in three fights for Bellator. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The defeat for Ryan bader No. Bellator 256 appears not to have shaken the confidence of Lyoto Machida. Ready to get back on track with victories in the company after three consecutive setbacks, the Brazilian guaranteed his return to middleweight and admitted his desire to exchange forces against an old acquaintance. The athlete spoke about the subject in an interview with 'ESPN'.

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“I believe that for me it is a guy weighing 84kg, who fights in this category, I really want to move down to that category. I can't say 'I'll never fight again' in this category (93kg). I want to go down to do my best in these last years. One fight I really want is with (Gegard) Mousasi. The first fight (2014) I dominated. On Monday (2019), I wasn't dominated, I didn't have this whole team, I wasn't as confident as I am today. Mousasi is a great fighter, but I'm sure that a fight against him would be one I want to do, because I know where I can get to”, said the 'Dragon'.

The dream of exchanging forces against Mousasi goes beyond an old rivalry. If he is eventually accepted by the organization, the Brazilian would have the opportunity to compete for the division's belt, as Gegard, today, occupies the highest point in the group.

An MMA veteran, Lyoto states that his plans to play in the middleweight division are not new. According to the Brazilian, the desire to change groups was already on his team's mind. The athlete, however, explained what made him postpone the decision.

“After the fight Phil Davis (2020), I had decided that I would fight in the 84kg category. Suddenly, the opportunity to fight in the GP (light heavyweight) arose. I thought it was a great opportunity, since I would be fighting among the best, it was a chance. I know that each person has a different caliber and this must be respected so that you can achieve the best possible result within what you want”, he concluded.

At 42 years old, Machida is considered one of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian MMA. Former UFC light heavyweight champion, the Pará native currently has 37 appearances as a professional in the sport. In total, the combatant has 26 triumphs and 11 setbacks.