L.Machida (left) could face V.Belfort (right) in Goiânia. Photo: MMA Press Production (Josh Hedges/UFC)
Two athletes who consider themselves “unjustified” in the UFC belt line could soon face each other, in a confrontation as unusual as it is grand. According to information on the “Combate” channel website, the Ultimate organization intends for Brazilians to Lyoto Machida e Vitor belfort duel in the main fight of the event on November 9th, in Goiânia (GO).
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The confrontation would take place in the middleweight category, marking Lyoto's debut in the division in which Vitor has already played since 2008. Despite this being the organization's first option, the possibility of holding the duel between light heavyweights – a category in which Belfort recently played – or even with combined weight is not ruled out. The main reason given for holding the duel is to once again increase the public's interest in the events in Brazil, after the empty seats at UFC Rio 4 and the lackluster sales of the UFC at Combte 3 – which takes place on the 4th of September, in Belo Horizonte (MG).
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Although they are not declared rivals, Vitor belfort e Lyoto Machida They've had some disagreements in the past. The first of these was after a statement from Belfort criticizing the practice of not fighting teammates or friends. As an example, the Rio native used the fact that Lyoto had already faced his brother Chinzo in karate finals. Subsequently, after accepting a dispute against Jon Jones denied by Machida, Vitor spoke about “MMA divas” – athletes who choose their opponents. The comment angered his compatriot, which caused the “Phenomenon” to publicly recant.
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