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Saturday, Aug 04, 2012

Report: Despite Contending For Title Shot, Former Light-Heavyweight Champ Lyoto Machida Open to Middleweight

Machida (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

As Lyoto Machida prepares to battle Ryan Bader tonight in Los Angeles, in a fight which UFC President Dana White has said could determine the next challenger at 205 pounds, the former champ has relayed he’s open to fighting at middleweight.

The revelation came, reportedly, when after Machida weighed in yesterday at just 201 pounds, he was asked by FUEL TV corresponded Ariel Helwani if he’s considered dropping to middleweight.

According to a report from MMA Junkie, Machida responded by saying “Who knows? If Dana White invites me I will.”

Machida (17-3) is coming off a second round, stoppage loss to Jon Jones in December, after knocking out Randy Couture at UFC 146 last April.

The 34 year-old-vet had dropped back-to-back losses to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and “Rampage” Jackson before facing Couture, after winning his first 16 pro bouts.

Due to the fact Machida is a training partner of Anderson Silva, the veteran also relayed that a run at 185 pounds could not include a title fight as long as the latter is still champion.

Current light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones is scheduled to fight Dan Henderson on September 1st. White has stated that an impressive win for either Machida, Bader, or headliners Rua and Brandon Vera, will move them into the number one contender slot.

Tonight’s card will be broadcast live on FOX.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 1:27 pm
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