Lyoto Machida

By FCF Staff

Lyoto Machida is officially a Bellator fighter, but not because the Ultimate Fighting Championship didn’t match the Viacom promotion’s offer to “The Dragon”.

Recently it was announced that the former light-heavyweight champ has signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator, ending Machida’s decade plus run with the UFC. Since then, Machida reported to MMA Junkie that the UFC did match Bellator’s offer, but that he had already given his “word” to Bellator President, Scott Coker.

“When I came back to the UFC, it was too late because I gave my word to Mr. (Scott) Coker, and I’m a man of my word,” Machida said.

“I’m at home here,” Machida added. “I’m very happy, and I can’t wait to step in the cage and fight again.”

The 40 year-old Machida is coming a knockout win over Vitor Belfort at UFC 224 in May.