the baiano Lyoto Machida tries to bring the UFC middleweight belt back to Brazil. After coming into possession of Anderson Silva for seven years, the title changed hands in 2013, when Chris Weidman hit Spider. Now, Machida faces the North American in the main fight of UFC 175, an event taking place in the city of Las Vegas, in the United States. In addition to the middleweight belt fight, the show also features another title fight. The women's bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, puts his reign at stake in front of Alexis Davis.
Lyoto x Weidman
After two victories at middleweight, Lyoto won the right to challenge Weidman in replacement of Vitor belfort, removed from contention due to the ban on hormone replacement treatment. Former light heavyweight champion, the karateka is trying to mark his name in history and become the third fighter to win the UFC belt in two different categories – B.J. Penn and Randy Couture have already achieved the feat.
Despite the chance to make history, the Brazilian discards this type of pressure. “My main focus is on the fight. Winning the title in two categories would be great for me, but I'm not thinking about that yet. I'm just thinking about my opponent and my strategy. I'm 36 years old, I'm a veteran and I'm already used to doing this. It will be a big challenge, but I am very calm and well prepared for this fight”, he assured.
Weidman will have another Brazilian athlete ahead of him. After shocking the world and taking the belt of Anderson Silva, also beating Spider in the rematch, the American will make his second title defense against Machida. Without the traditional provocations, the champion reveals that his opponent tonight is more dangerous than the greatest champion in the history of Ultimate.
“It's difficult to compare, but I think Lyoto is more complete than Anderson Silva. I say this in relation to how dangerous he is in his striking and movement. Anderson also had that, but I think Lyoto has more”, he assessed.
Check out the complete UFC 175 card below, which will start at 19:30 p.m.
main card
Chris Weidman x Lyoto Machida – for the middleweight belt
Ronda Rousey x Alexis Davis – for the bantamweight belt
Stefan struve x Matt Mitrione
Uriah Hall x Thiago Marreta
Marcus Brimage x Russell Doane
Preliminary Card
Urijah faber x Alex Caceres
Ildemar Marajó x Kenny Robertson
Chris Camozzi x Bruno Carioca
Rob font x George Roop
Guilherme Bomba x Luke Zachrich
Kevin Casey x William “Bubba” Bus
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