Lyoto responds to Mousasi's challenge: 'come strong because, if you don't, I'll run you over'

L. Machida will make his Bellator debut in December. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @lyotomachidafw

Since the hiring of Lyoto Machida by Bellator in June, a second meeting with Gegard Mousasi has been speculated. After winning Rory McDonald in the main fight of Bellator 206 on Saturday (29), the Iranian asked for a rematch with the Brazilian at the beginning of 2019. 'Dreamcatcher' also provoked 'Dragon' by stating that a doping test will be necessary before the confrontation.

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Machida promptly responded to his rival's challenge, and assured that he is ready to meet him again inside the organization's cage.

“Let’s have this second fight then. Mousasi is choked up, every interview he says he's upset, that he wants to face me. It will be a pleasure for me because my goal is the Bellator belt. I didn't come to play, to fight, I came to be a champion. I have a very serious commitment in December and then I will think about the future. O Raphael Carvalho deserves a lot of respect and seriousness in training. It's definitely you next, Mousasi. You can get ready and come strong because, if you don't, I'm going to run you over”, replied the Brazilian in an interview with the North American channel Fox Sports.

In the first confrontation, Lyoto beat Mousasi by unanimous decision from the judges at UFC Jaraguá in February 2014. The Brazilian acknowledged that since the duel, his opponent has been 'choking' with his defeat.

“He is very choked up, but he was the one who lost. It went to five rounds, but, in the end, the fight was ending, he was already punching and time ran out. I won in the technical game, he wants the fight, he wants to take the test and we're going with everything. I didn't see anything unusual about Mousasi, he's the same way, walking forward, he walks a lot on heel. When the fight is scheduled, when he is my problem, I will try to solve it. For now, my problem is different and I have to focus on my next opponent”, said Lyoto.

Lyoto Machida will make his debut for the company against his compatriot Raphael Carvalho, December 15th in Hawaii.

The main fight of the event will be between the flyweight champion, Ilima MacFarlane and Valerie Letourneau. The card will still feature a fight between Neiman Gracie and Ed Ruth for the Bellator Welterweight GP.