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| weightclass = [[Light heavyweight (MMA)|205]]
| weightclass = [[Light heavyweight (MMA)|205]]
| reach = {{convert|74.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite video |date2=January 31, 2009 |title=UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 |medium=Television Production |publisher=Zuffa, LLC |location=Las Vegas, Nevada}}</ref>
| reach = {{convert|74.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite video |date2=January 31, 2009 |title=UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 |medium=Television Production |publisher=Zuffa, LLC |location=Las Vegas, Nevada}}</ref>
| style = [[Machida Karate]], [[Shotokan]], [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[Sumo]]<ref>http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-machida052009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns</ref>
| style = [[Shotokan]], [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[Sumo]]<ref>http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-machida052009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns</ref>
| stance = Southpaw
| stance = Southpaw
| team = [[Black House (MMA)|Black House]]
| team = [[Black House (MMA)|Black House]]

Revision as of 23:32, 25 September 2009

Lyoto Machida
BornLyoto Carvalho Machida
(1978-05-30) May 30, 1978 (age 45)
Salvador, Brazil
Other namesThe Dragon
ResidenceBelém, Brazil
NationalityBrazil Brazilian
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
Division205
Reach74.0 in (188 cm)[1]
StyleShotokan, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sumo[2]
StanceSouthpaw
TeamBlack House
Rank  black belt in BJJ
  black belt in Shotokan
Years active2003–present MMA
Mixed martial arts record
Total15
Wins15
By knockout5
By submission2
By decision8
Losses0
Other information
SpouseFabyola
Children1
Websitehttp://lyotomachida.net
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: August 26, 2009

Lyoto Carvalho Machida (born May 30, 1978) is a Brazilian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who fights as a light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. As of September 2009, Machida is undefeated in his professional MMA career, and in his UFC career has yet to lose a round. He is currently ranked as the #1 light heavyweight fighter in the world[3] and the #4 pound-for-pound fighter[4] by Sherdog.

The son of a Shotokan karate master, Yoshizo Machida (町田 嘉三, Machida Yoshizō), Machida holds an undefeated record that includes notable victories over Stephan Bonnar, Thiago Silva, former UFC light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, current UFC lightweight champion and former welterweight champion B.J. Penn, and former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. Machida has never lost a single round in his UFC career, which is attributed to his karate-influenced striking style that implements an unorthodox stance and an elusive strategy.[5] On May 23, 2009, Machida won the UFC light-heavyweight championship from the previously undefeated Rashad Evans by knockout in the second round.[6]

Biography

Machida was born in the city of Salvador as the third son of the highly ranked head of the Brazilian branch of the Japan Karate Association,[7] Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida.[8] Growing up in Belém, Machida began training in karate at the age of three, and earned his black belt at the age of thirteen.[9] He also began training in sumo at twelve and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at fifteen. He won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate tournament.[10]

He was the runner-up in the 2000 Brazilian Sumo Championships in the 115 kg division. As an adult, he became Brazilian Champion twice, and placed second in the South American Championship. He defeated American black belt Jiu-Jitsu fighter Rafael Lovato Jr. at L.A. Sub X. In addition to his sumo and karate achievements, he has a college degree in Physical Education. Lyoto's brother, Shinzo, is a Shotokan vice-champion (Australia 2006), losing only to number-one ranked Shotokan master Koji Ogata. Lyoto and Shinzo fought in a Karate Final 10 years ago in which Lyoto gave Shinzo a cheek scar that still exists today.[citation needed] His other brothers include Kenzo Machida, a TV journalist for one of Brazil's biggest TV stations, Take Machida, and adopted brother Francisco Machida.[11]

Early professional career

In college, Machida met Japanese pro wrestler and promoter Antonio Inoki. Because he saw potential in Machida, Inoki took him as a protégé and billed him as an upcoming star.[12][13] Machida continued training by taking up Muay Thai in Thailand and wrestling at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in Tokyo. Japanese media soon dubbed him "The Second Inoki." Machida made his MMA debut in Inoki's New Japan Pro Wrestling: Ultimate Crush on May 2, 2003, where he defeated journeyman Pancrase fighter Kengo Watanabe by decision. He looked more comfortable in his follow-up fight against future The Ultimate Fighter 1 runner-up Stephan Bonnar, whom he defeated by cut stoppage. In his third fight, he faced 12–0 UFC veteran Rich Franklin as an underdog at Inoki Bom-ba-ye 2003. Machida knocked out Franklin with strikes early in the second round.[12]

At 3–0, he began to fight in K-1's early MMA efforts, with wins against two high-ranked K-1 kickboxers, Michael McDonald and Sam Greco. In his last match with the K-1 organization, K-1 Hero's 1, he faced the UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn, who was considered to be one of the top pound-for-pound fighters at the time, but who came to the fight at a significant weight disadvantage. Machida landed the cleaner shots en route to a decision, but did not gain much recognition for the victory due to his inability to finish the smaller fighter.[12]

After permanently splitting with Inoki, Machida signed with a newly revitalized World Fighting Alliance and began to compete in the United States. In his American debut, Machida defeated Vernon White by unanimous decision at the WFA: King of the Streets event in Inglewood, California. After the WFA went out of business for the second time, the UFC acquired Machida's contract.

UFC career

Machida made his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 67 against Sam Hoger and won by unanimous decision. He followed up with a main-card debut at UFC 70 and won a unanimous decision against David Heath. He next faced judo practitioner and Pride Fighting Championship veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at UFC 76. Machida won by unanimous decision, and Nakamura would later test positive for marijuana.[14]

At UFC 79, Machida faced the highly touted Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, a judo practitioner who was making his UFC debut after two quick upset victories over Pride veterans Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. He scored the first stoppage of his UFC career by submitting Sokoudjou with an arm triangle choke in the second round.

Machida's next fight was at UFC 84, facing former UFC light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in what would be Ortiz's final UFC appearance before a long-standing dispute with Dana White led to Ortiz being out of a UFC contract for over a year. Machida frustrated Ortiz with lateral movement and counterstriking while successfully defending against the former champion's takedowns. In the final seconds of the third round, Machida landed a flying knee to the body of Ortiz and knocked him to the mat. As Machida moved in to finish the fight, Ortiz almost locked in a triangle choke before transitioning to an armbar attempt.[15] Machida managed to escape and win a unanimous decision, however, and all three judges scored the fight 30–27 in his favor.[16]

Machida was originally scheduled to fight fellow undefeated Brazilian Thiago Silva at UFC 89 in Birmingham England, however, the bout was postponed due to a back injury sustained by Silva. The fight ultimately took place at UFC 94. After scoring several trips and knockdowns, Machida managed to knock out the grounded Silva in the final second of the first round.[17] Machida's first UFC knockout earned Knockout of the Night honors and a $65,000 bonus. To this day, Machida has not lost a fight in the UFC. In fact, he has not lost a single recorded round.[18]

In June 2009, Lyoto Machida was nominated for the 2009 ESPYS "Best Fighter" category, along with Anderson Silva, Manny Pacquiao, and Shane Mosley.[19] However, Machida didn't gain enough votes and the award was won instead by pro boxer Manny Pacquiao.[20]

Light heavyweight champion

Machida met then light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in another clash of undefeated fighters at UFC 98. Machida scored an early knockdown in the first-round, while Evans struggled to make any progress. In the second-round, Evans experienced a flurry of accurate punches by Machida rendering him unconscious before hitting the canvas. Machida was subsequently crowned the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion; his performance earning him Knockout of the Night honors with a $60,000 bonus for the second time in as many fights.[21] This victory continued his undefeated streak in his MMA career and was also Evans' first career loss.

Machida was set to face Quinton Jackson in his first title defense, but Jackson turned it down to coach the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter and then face fellow coach Rashad Evans. Pride Fighting Championship's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix winner Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was then selected as Machida's first title defense[22] which will take place on October 24, 2009 at UFC 104.

Fighting style

Machida uses a unique style that combines elements from his diverse training background.[13] Often described as "elusive," Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes.[23][24][25] Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fans, fighters, and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways.[26][27][28] At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is sometimes deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch.[24][26][29][30] Machida has drawn fire from fans,[31][32] and criticism from MMA commentators[33][34] for his limited aggression and many decision victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don't like it, sorry. I always try to win."[35] He also stated that he believes fans are coming to appreciate the efficiency of his style just like they came to appreciate Royce Gracie's jiu-jitsu.[30]

Machida defied expectations at UFC 94,[32][36] where he earned a "Knockout of the Night" honor for his first-round stoppage of then undefeated Thiago Silva. Machida noted that he started to include weight training in his preparation for the bout. Commentators hailed the knockout as a step in the right direction toward building interest in him as a potential champion. In addition, Machida showcased his improved English skills during interviews for the event, which gave him the ability to connect with fans more easily.[37] Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.[38][39][40]

Personal life

Machida has a wife named Fabyola.[41] The couple have a son named Taiyo, who was born in September 2008.[42]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
15 matches 15 wins 0 losses
By knockout 5 0
By submission 2 0
By decision 8 0
No contests 0
Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Brazil Mauricio Rua UFC 104 October 24, 2009 United States Los Angeles, CA Defending UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 15–0 United States Rashad Evans KO (Punch) UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida May 23, 2009 2 3:57 United States Las Vegas, NV Won UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Won Knockout of the Night Honors.
Win 14–0 Brazil Thiago Silva KO (Punch) UFC 94: St-Pierre vs. Penn 2 January 31, 2009 1 4:59 United States Las Vegas, Nevada Won Knockout of The Night Honors.
Win 13–0 United States Tito Ortiz Decision (Unanimous) UFC 84: Ill Will May 24, 2008 3 5:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 12–0 Cameroon Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou Submission (Arm triangle choke) UFC 79: Nemesis December 29, 2007 2 4:20 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 11–0 Japan Kazuhiro Nakamura Decision (Unanimous) UFC 76: Knockout September 22, 2007 3 5:00 United States Anaheim, California
Win 10–0 United States David Heath Decision (Unanimous) UFC 70: Nations Collide April 21, 2007 3 5:00 United Kingdom Manchester, England
Win 9–0 United States Sam Hoger Decision (Unanimous) UFC 67: All or Nothing February 3, 2007 3 5:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada UFC debut
Win 8–0 United States Vernon White Decision (Unanimous) WFA: King of the Streets July 22, 2006 3 5:00 United States Los Angeles, CA
Win 7–0 Brazil Dimitri Wanderley TKO (Exhaustion) Jungle Fight 6 April 29, 2006 3 3:24 Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 6–0 United States B.J. Penn Decision (Unanimous) K-1 Hero's 1 March 26, 2005 3 5:00 Japan Saitama, Japan Machida fought at a weight of 102 kg (225 lb). Penn weighed in at 86.5 kg (191 lb).[43]
Win 5–0 Australia Sam Greco Decision (Split) K-1 MMA ROMANEX May 22, 2004 3 5:00 Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 4–0 Canada Michael McDonald Submission (Forearm Choke) K-1 Beast 2004 March 14, 2004 1 2:30 Japan Saitama, Japan
Win 3–0 United States Rich Franklin TKO (Head Kick And Punches) Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003-Inoki Festival December 31, 2003 2 1:03 Japan Kobe, Japan
Win 2–0 United States Stephan Bonnar TKO (Cut) Jungle Fight 1 September 13, 2003 1 4:21 Brazil Manaus, Brazil
Win 1–0 Japan Kengo Watanabe Decision (Unanimous) NJPW: Ultimate Crush May 2, 2003 3 5:00 Japan Tokyo, Japan

References

  1. ^ UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 (Television Production). Las Vegas, Nevada: Zuffa, LLC. {{cite AV media}}: Unknown parameter |date2= ignored (help)
  2. ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-machida052009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
  3. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. May 28, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  4. ^ "Sherdog.com's Pound-for-Pound Top 10". Sherdog.com. May 29, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  5. ^ Bliss, Kim (July 21, 2006). "Is that guy actually using a Karate Stance?". Boutreviewusa.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  6. ^ "Machida KOs Evans; Hughes Outpoints Serra". Sherdog.com. May 23, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  7. ^ "Link text". Jka.or.jp. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  8. ^ Leidecker, Tim (January 27, 2009). "Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  9. ^ "AM Fighter Interview?".
  10. ^ "Los Angeles Dojo Fighters - Lyoto Machida". NJPW.com. May 30, 1978. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  11. ^ 27, 2009.html "Who is Lyoto Machida? Learn the story behind the UFC's greatest karateka". GRACIEMAG.com. January 27, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03- 08. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); line feed character in |accessdate= at position 9 (help)
  12. ^ a b c Mendoza, Ricardo (July 21, 2006). "Lyoto Machida Ready for U.S. Debut in WFA". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  13. ^ a b Tios, Tomas (December 28, 2007). "Feuds, Beards & Cameroon Rule UFC 79". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  14. ^ Strupp, Dan (September 26, 2007). "Kazuhiro Nakamura Fails UFC 76 Drug Test". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  15. ^ "UFC 84 'Ill Will' Play-by-Play". Sherdog.com. May 24, 2008. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  16. ^ DeLorenzo, Brandt (May 27, 2008). "Are Judges Favoring the Lyoto Machida Style?". MMAOpinion.com. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  17. ^ "UFC 94: GSP vs. Penn II Play-by-Play". Sherdog.com. February 01, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Martin, Damon (February 1, 2009). "UFC hands down $65,000 bonuses for UFC 94". Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  19. ^ "Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva Nominated for 2009 ESPY Best Fighter Category". MMAWaves.com.
  20. ^ "Pacquiao Tops Machida and Silva at 2009 ESPYS". MMAWaves.com.
  21. ^ "$60,000 bonuses handed out at UFC 98". Mma Weekly. May 24, 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  22. ^ "Shogun agrees to Machida bout, in principle". Mma Weekly. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  23. ^ "Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva at UFC 89". MMAWeekly.com. July 16, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  24. ^ a b Yu, Al (March 27, 2008). "A Word From the Asian Sensation". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  25. ^ Rios, Tomas (May 24, 2008). "UFC 84: Animal Kingdom, Starring Sharks, Dragons and...Sporting Goods?". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  26. ^ a b Hamlin, Tom (February 3, 2009). "Lyoto Machida Finally 'Arrives' at the UFC". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  27. ^ Sariahmed, Lotfi (January 16, 2009). "Fun and Games Part of the Plan for 'King Mo'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  28. ^ Strupp, Dan (November 17, 2008). "Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  29. ^ Rossen, Jake (January 27, 2009). "UFC 94-Cast". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  30. ^ a b Alonso, Marcelo (May 14, 2009). "Machida: 'I'll Bring Him into My Game'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved May 14, 2009.
  31. ^ "Quinton Jackson to determine Lyoto Machida's championship fate". Sherdog.com. February 01, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ a b Breen, Jordan (February 01, 2009). "UFC 94 Analysis: On Prominence and Possibility". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ "UFC 84 recap: Penn defends, Silva demolishes, Ortiz frustrated". MMAJunkiecom. May 25, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  34. ^ Leidecker, Tim (January 27, 2009). "Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  35. ^ Zeidler, Benjamin (December 4, 2008). "Bloody Elbow Exclusive: Lyoto Machida Talks Challengers, Title Shot". BloodyElbow.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  36. ^ Hunt, Loretta (February 02, 2009). "St. Pierre Earns $400K for Penn Pummeling". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ Thomas, Luke (February 03, 2009). "UFC 94 Winners and Losers". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ Parry, Chris (January 31, 2009). "Lyoto Machida: It's crunch time for UFC's Karate Kid". VancouverSun.com.com. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  39. ^ Meltzer, Dave (May 21, 2009). "Lyoto Machida could make big name". MMAJunkie.com.com. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  40. ^ Sloan, Mike (January 2, 2008). "New Year's Reverie: Finally!". Sherdog.com.com. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  41. ^ Martins, Denis (May 22, 2008). "Machida Focused on Fighting, Not Feuds". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  42. ^ "Who is Lyoto Machida? Learn the story behind the UFC's greatest karateka". Graciemag.com. January 27, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 200908. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ "??????". Hero-s.com. Retrieved February 10, 2009.

External links

Preceded by 10th UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
May 23, 2009 - Present 		Current holder

Template:List of UFC Current Champions

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