Lyoto Machida

By FCF Staff

While unique circumstances have assisted Lyoto Machida in securing it, it hasn’t taken the renowned fighter long to earn a middleweight title shot, as many people expected.

Following wins over Mark Munoz and most recently Gegard Mousasi, the UFC recently tapped Machida to face champion Chris Weidman on May 24th, after Vitor Belfort’s withdrawal. The latter’s camp says he will not be ready to face Weidman as originally scheduled, as a result of the NSAC’s ban of TRT, and Machida was the benefactor.

In a recent interview with UFC.com, Machida was asked for his reaction, upon hearing the news that he had been offered to fight Weidman at UFC 173.

“I was at home when Ed Soares (manager) called me and said I would have the opportunity to fight for the belt,” said Machida. “I’m still on vacation, enjoying my family. I was surprised with the decision, I didn’t expect this fight now, but I was also very happy for the chance.”

And what does Machida think of the commission’s decision to ban TRT? A procedure that Belfort, and many other UFC fighters, have been undergoing?

“I read in the morning that the athletic commission was going to ban the treatment, but I didn’t think it would get me my next fight,” Machida noted. “I’m not in favor or against it. I believe we should follow the laws that  regulate our sport. When it was allowed, people were doing something within the law.  But now that is forbbiden, so there is nothing to question.”

UFC 173 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.