Machida

By FCF Staff

Dana White had relayed that an impressive win was needed at tonight’s UFC on FOX 4 card to earn a crack at the light-heavyweight bout, and after storming through Ryan Bader, Lyoto Machida will be given that opportunity.

Machida outscored Bader from the onset of their bout,  and in round two, floored the powerful fighter with a beautifully timed right hand as the TUF vet rushed in.

Following tonight’s bouts on FOX,  White credited “Shogun” Rua for his fourth round, stoppage win over Brandon Vera, but confirmed that Machida will face the winner of the September 1st bout between champion Jon Jons and Dan Henderson.

Earlier in the week, the UFC President had announced that the winner of tonight’s headline bout between Rua and Vera would move into the number one contender spot. After many fans voiced their disapproval with the decision, however, White elected to include Machida and Bader in the title shot mix.

Tonight’s bout marked the first time Machida has fought since he was submitted  by Jones at UFC 140 last December.

The 34 year-old-fighter now carries a record of 18-3.