Machida (right) beat Ortiz in a decision at UFC 84. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Lyoto Machida confirmed that he received an extra payment from Dana White, president of the UFC, for winning Tito Ortiz in event number 84, in 2008.
Former light heavyweight champion, Ortiz is one of White's biggest enemies, having already exchanged public provocations with the Ultimate boss. Machida beat Ortiz in a unanimous decision by the judges, dominating the three rounds of the contest.
“He really did it. I felt like a hired assassin making money from his boss, but it was cool”, said Machida, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”. “I won’t say how much he paid me, but it was good money,” he joked.
Lyoto outperformed Ortiz in practically the entire fight. His only scare came in the final moments, when he was caught by a triangle from the North American. “[White] said I was dominating the fight and suddenly Tito caught me in that triangle. He said 'damn, I can't believe it'. He went crazy, but I managed to escape. So, I think he gave me that bonus because he was scared by that triangle,” he laughed.
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