L. Machida (photo) returns to the octagon in December. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Even with a duel scheduled for January 2015, when he faces Dennis Siver in Boston (USA), Conor McGregor is named as the main favorite to be the next challenger to the featherweight champion José Aldo. In the opinion of the Brazilian middleweight Lyoto Machida, however, despite having legitimately achieved the status of fighting for the title, the Irishman does not have the necessary technical conditions to overcome Aldo.
“If you’re going to compare him (McGregor) to José Aldo, Aldo is technically superior. McGregor is a tough fighter, he comes strong, but you can't say he beats Aldo. Aldo is very dominant”, said Lyoto, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”. “McGregor can promote himself however he wants. I don't see him as a bad person. He's right, promoting himself in this way, and we have to respect him”, added the Brazilian, supporting the Irishman's controversial style.
However, when asked if he would adopt McGregor's strategy to accelerate his return to challenger status, Lyoto, who is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to the champion Chris Weidman, was emphatic. “It’s not my style to do what trash talk (provoke) my opponents. I have the technique to fight for the title in the way I believe is the right way. If you win fights convincingly, it makes things easier,” he assured.
At 36, Lyoto Machida has a professional record of 21 wins and five losses. The former light heavyweight champion returns to the Octagon on December 20th, when he faces North American CB Dollaway in the main fight of UFC Barueri, an event that closes the 2014 Ultimate calendar.
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