Machida (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

It appears as though the title shot light-heavyweight Lyoto Machida earned by knocking out Ryan Bader at UFC on FOX 4 in August, has already come and gone. UFC President Dana White revealed on Tuesday’s edition of “UFC Tonight” that Machida is no longer next in line to challenge the winner of the September 22^nd bout between champ Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort.

Machida was tapped for a rematch with Jones in August, after recording the highlight reel, stoppage win over Bader. The win, in addition to Machida’s reported desire to avenge his loss to Jones, was according to White why the vet had been awarded the shot instead of Mauricio Rua.

After White announced that Machida had agreed to fight Jones on September 22^nd, in the wake of UFC 151’s cancellation, the former champ proceeded to announce he wasn’t going to take the bout. Machida and his camp decided that a month’s notice wasn’t enough time to prepare.

White reportedly cited Machida’s decision as why the promotion “has moved on” and that the 34 year-old-fighter is no longer the number one contender.

The September 22^nd, UFC 152 card will be hosted by Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.