Lyoto believes in Anderson Silva's innocence in doping: 'He is the victim'

L. Machida (right) bets on the innocence of A. Silva (left). Photo: Reproduction

Friend and training partner Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida does not believe that Spider is guilty in the doping case in which he is involved, after failing two anti-doping tests before and after his fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183. When commenting on the episode, Lyoto said he was surprised by what happened, but remained by Anderson's side, saying he believed the former champion was the victim in the story.

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“I'm very surprised, but I think he (Anderson Silva) is the victim. I think he has a story. I prefer not to talk about it because it is a very difficult situation, but I have a lot of trust in Anderson. I know he might not use it. I'm in my (training) camp. He is in the United States now. I haven't spoken to him in a while, I don't know what happened. I prefer to stay out of this situation”, said the “Dragon”, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Digest”.

In addition to Anderson, Lyoto spoke about another compatriot: Vitor belfort. After cutting Chris Weidman of the middleweight belt dispute, it was even considered that Machida and Belfort could compete for the interim title. Vitor, however, denied the proposal made by Ultimate. “I respect his decision, but I was ready to fight. As soon as Dana White called me asking about the fight I said: 'I'm ready to fight anytime'. Because I never stop training. Belfort has his own reasons”, he analyzed.

Despite demonstrating his interest in the fight, Machida stressed that he respected Belfort's preference for waiting for a duel against Weidman. “I think Belfort could have fought me. He is a very well-prepared athlete, has good striking and is good on the ground. He is a complete fighter, but he had his own reasons for not taking the fight. I respect his decision because I like that he respects mine when I have to decide something”, he concluded.

Without the dispute for the interim middleweight belt, Lyoto Machida face Luke Rockhold on April 18, in Newark (USA). The duel is the main fight of UFC on FOX 15.

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