Lyoto Machida on fighting Chael Sonnen: 'He can't touch me'

L. Machida believes that C.Sonnen's game won't work against him. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter ufc_brasil)

The Brazilian Lyoto Machida said he will be prepared to defend himself against the wrestling of his next opponent: the North American, Chael Sonnen. The statement was published by the channel 'The Blogboard Jungle'. Lyoto and Chael will face each other on June 14th at Bellator, in New York (USA).

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“I know he can’t touch me,” said the Brazilian.

'American Gangster' wrestling is known to many Brazilians. Sonnen gained notoriety after fighting an epic battle with the Brazilian Anderson Silva in 2010, at UFC 117. On that occasion, the North American punished the 'Spider' for five rounds, but was surprised by a triangle applied by the Brazilian seconds before the fight ended, forcing Chael to give up.

Sonnen's fighting style, however, fit like a glove against the legendary Wanderlei Silva, in 2017. Silva's aggressive style was an easy target for the American, who managed to keep the fight on the ground for practically all three rounds.

Lyoto, however, has the characteristic of keeping his opponent away and taking risks in counterattacks. The athlete's unique guard is capable of confusing his opponents, which led him to win the UFC light heavyweight belt in 2009, over Rashad evans.

The “Dragon”, however, showed respect when talking about Sonnen, whom he considers an experienced fighter.

“I've seen a lot of Chael's fights since he was in the UFC. They (Sonnen and his team) have practically the same game plan, but different ways (of putting it into practice)”, commented the fighter. “He likes to punch and then he tries to get his legs, then he starts to mix it up. So, he is a good opponent and an experienced fighter. He has improved his fighting on the ground a lot, but I will be ready for that”, concluded Lyoto.

Lyoto Machida He is currently 40 years old and will be fighting his second fight since his official departure from the UFC. In his last fight, he defeated the Brazilian Raphael Carvalho by split decision from the judges, in December 2018, in his debut for Bellator. In his career, he has 32 fights, 24 wins and eight losses.

Chael, 42 years old, has 47 fights, 31 wins, 15 losses and one draw. In his last appointment, he faced Fedor Emelianenko and was defeated by knockout in the first round, in October last year.

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