Lyoto Machida leaves UFC and signs contract with Bellator

Machida (photo) signed a contract with Bellator. Photo: Facebook / UFC

Lyoto Machida You have a new house! After scoring two consecutive victories in the UFC in 2018, the Brazilian's contract with the organization came to an end. After 'testing the market', the black belt signed a contract with Bellator this Friday (22).

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The information was released by the North American ESPN website. Afterwards, the president of the franchise, Scott Coker, confirmed the agreement with Machida.

“Bellator is pleased to announce the signing of former world champion Lyoto Machida (24-8) in an exclusive multi-fight agreement. We look forward to seeing 'Dragon' compete inside the Bellator cage in the near future”, revealed Coker, in a statement sent to the press.

End of a long marriage

the wedding of Lyoto Machida with the UFC came to an end after 11 years. He signed with the show in 2007 and had 25 fights in the octagon – he has 17 wins and eight losses in the event. The peak of the karateka's career in Ultimate came in 2009, when he knocked out Rashad evans at UFC 98, he won the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg.).

After the announcement of the signing by Bellator, the UFC quickly removed Machida from the middleweight rankings (up to 84 kg.). He occupied 9th place and made room for Paulo borrachinha (10º), Thiago Marreta (11º), Antonio Shoe Guy (12th) and Cezar Mutant, which entered in 15th position.

Another one from a new house

Lyoto Machida It's just another name to leave the UFC and settle with Bellator. Recently, names like: Wanderlei Silva,  Tito Ortiz, Gegard Mousasi, Ben henderson, Rory McDonald, Chael Sonnen, Quinton Rampage Jackson e Josh thomson took the same path.