Jump to content

Lyoto Machida

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Sheik07 (talk | contribs) at 23:55, 28 April 2009. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Template:MMAstatsbox

Lyoto Carvalho Machida (born May 30, 1978) is a Brazilian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter currently fighting as a light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The son of a Japanese-Brazilian Shotokan karate master, Yoshizo Machida (町田 嘉三, Machida Yoshizō), Machida holds an undefeated record that includes victories over former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, and current UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn. He is currently ranked as the #2 and #4 light heavyweight fighter in the world by MMAWeekly[1] and Sherdog[2] respectively. Machida is noted for his karate-influenced striking style that implements an unorthodox stance and an elusive strategy.[3]

Machida fights out of Black House.

Biography

Lyoto 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.[4] Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida.[5] Growing up in Belém, Machida began training in karate at the age of three and earned his black belt at the age of 13. He began training in sumo at 12 and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 15. He won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate tournament.[6]

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 2nd 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. Machida's brother, Shinzo, is a Shotokan vice-champion (Australia 2006), losing only to number-one ranked Shotokan master Koji Ogata. Machida and Shinzo fought in a Karate Final 10 years ago in which Machida gave Chinzo a cheek scar that still exists today.[citation needed] His other brother, Kenzo Machida, is a TV journalist for one of Brazil's biggest TV stations.

Early professional career

In college, Machida met Japanese pro wrestler and promoter Antonio Inoki. Seeing potential in Machida, Inoki took him as a protégé[7] and billed him as an upcoming star.[8] Machida continued training, 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.[7]

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 former UFC welterweight 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.[7]

After permanently splitting with Inoki's failing promotion in early 2006, 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 via 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, winning by unanimous decision. He followed up with a main-card debut at UFC 70, winning 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.[9]

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 in 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. 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.[10] However, Machida managed to escape and win a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring 30-27 in his favor.[11]

Machida was originally scheduled to fight fellow undefeated Brazilian Thiago Silva at UFC 89 in Birmingham England, however, a back injury sustained by Silva prevented the fight from taking place. The fight ultimately took place at UFC 94. After scoring several trips and knockdowns, Machida managed to knockout the grounded Silva in the final second of the first round.[12] Machida's first UFC knockout earned Knockout of the Night honors and a $65,000 bonus.[13]

Machida will next face champion Rashad Evans for the light heavyweight title at UFC 98. Machida will serve as a replacement for Quinton Jackson, who is due to have jaw surgery after the bout with Keith Jardine at UFC 96. Jackson will be the number one contender to face the winner of Machida versus Evans.[14]

Fighting style

Machida uses a unique style that combines elements from his diverse training background.[8] Often described as "elusive", Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes.[15][16][17] Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fans, fighters, and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways.[18][19][20] At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is sometimes deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch.[16][18][21] Machida has drawn ire from fans,[22][23] and criticism from MMA commentators[24][25] for his limited aggression and stoppage victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don’t like it, sorry. I always try to win. For some that is boring, I know, but I am beating the best in the world."[25]

Machida defied expectations at UFC 94,[23][26] where he earned a Knockout of the Night honor for his first-round stoppage of then undefeated Thiago Silva. 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, giving him the ability to connect with fans more easily.[27] Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.[28][29][30]

Personal life

Machida is married to Fabyola.[31] The couple have a son named Taiyo, who was born in September 2008.[32] In an interview with Tatame Magazine on March 23, 2009, Lyoto Machida revealed that he drinks his urine every morning as "natural medicine", a tradition he inherited from his father.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
14 matches 14 wins 0 losses
By knockout 4 0
By submission 2 0
By decision 8 0
No contests 0
Date Result Opponent Event Method Round Time Location Notes
May 23, 2009 United States Rashad Evans UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida United States Las Vegas, Nevada, USA For UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
January 31, 2009 Win Brazil Thiago Silva UFC 94: St-Pierre vs. Penn 2 KO (Punches) 1 4:59 United States Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Won Knockout Of The Night honors.
May 24, 2008 Win United States Tito Ortiz UFC 84: Ill Will Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
December 29, 2007 Win Cameroon Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou UFC 79: Nemesis Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) 2 4:18 United States Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
September 22, 2007 Win Japan Kazuhiro Nakamura UFC 76: Knockout Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 United States Anaheim, California, USA
April 21, 2007 Win United States David Heath UFC 70: Nations Collide Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 United Kingdom Manchester, England
February 3, 2007 Win United States Sam Hoger UFC 67: All or Nothing Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
July 22, 2006 Win United States Vernon White WFA: King of the Streets Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 United States Los Angeles, California, USA
April 29, 2006 Win Brazil Dimitri Wanderley Jungle Fight 6 TKO (Forfeit) 3 0:40 Brazil Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
March 26, 2005 Win United States B.J. Penn K-1 Hero's 1 Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Japan Saitama, Japan Machida fought at a weight of 215 lb. Penn weighed in at 187 lb.
May 22, 2004 Win Australia Sam Greco K-1 MMA ROMANEX Decision (Split) 3 5:00 Japan Saitama, Japan
March 14, 2004 Win Canada Michael McDonald K-1 Beast 2004 Submission (Forearm Choke) 1 2:30 Japan Saitama, Japan
December 31, 2003 Win United States Rich Franklin Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003-Inoki Festival TKO (Strikes) 2 1:03 Japan Kobe, Japan
September 13, 2003 Win United States Stephan Bonnar Jungle Fight 1 TKO (Cut) 1 4:21 Brazil Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
May 2, 2003 Win Japan Kengo Watanabe NJPW: Ultimate Crush Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Japan Tokyo, Japan

References

  1. ^ "Light Heavyweight Rankings". MMAWeekly.com. February 4, 2009. Retrieved february 16, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  3. ^ Bliss, Kim (July 21, 2006). "Is that guy actually using a Karate Stance?". Boutreviewusa.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  4. ^ Link text
  5. ^ Leidecker, Tim (January 27, 2009). "Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  6. ^ "Los Angeles Dojo Fighters - Lyoto Machida". NJPW.com. May 30, 1978. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  7. ^ a b c Mendoza, Ricardo (July 21, 2006). "Lyoto Machida Ready for U.S. Debut in WFA". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  8. ^ a b Tios, Tomas (December 28, 2007). "Feuds, Beards & Cameroon Rule UFC 79". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  9. ^ Strupp, Dan (September 26, 2007). "Kazuhiro Nakamura Fails UFC 76 Drug Test". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  10. ^ "UFC 84 'Ill Will' Play-by-Play". Sherdog.com. May 24, 2008. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  11. ^ DeLorenzo, Brandt (May 27, 2008). "Are Judges Favoring the Lyoto Machida Style?". MMAOpinion.com. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  12. ^ "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)
  13. ^ Martin, Damon (February 1, 2009). "UFC hands down $65,000 bonuses for UFC 94". Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  14. ^ Gilbert, Mark (March 10, 2009). "Injury rules out Rampage bid". TheSun.co.uk. Retrieved March 10, 2009.
  15. ^ "Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva at UFC 89". MMAWeekly.com. July 16, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  16. ^ a b Yu, Al (March 27, 2008). "A Word From the Asian Sensation". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  17. ^ Rios, Tomas (May 24, 2008). "UFC 84: Animal Kingdom, Starring Sharks, Dragons and...Sporting Goods?". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  18. ^ a b Hamlin, Tom (February 3, 2009). "Lyoto Machida Finally 'Arrives' at the UFC". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  19. ^ Sariahmed, Lotfi (January 16, 2009). "Fun and Games Part of the Plan for 'King Mo'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  20. ^ Strupp, Dan (November 17, 2008). "Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  21. ^ Rossen, Jake (January 27, 2009). "UFC 94-Cast". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  22. ^ "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)
  23. ^ 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)
  24. ^ "UFC 84 recap: Penn defends, Silva demolishes, Ortiz frustrated". MMAJunkiecom. May 25, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  25. ^ a b Leidecker, Tim (January 27, 2009). "Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009. Cite error: The named reference "battle" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  26. ^ Hunt (February 02, 2009). "St. Pierre Earns $400K for Penn Pummeling". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |First= ignored (|first= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Thomas, Luke (February 03, 2009). "UFC 94 Winners and Losers". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-02-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Parry, Chris (January 31, 2009). "Lyoto Machida: It's crunch time for UFC's Karate Kid". VancouverSun.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
  29. ^ Meltzer, Dave (May 21, 2009). "Lyoto Machida could make big name". MMAJunkie.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  30. ^ Sloan, Mike (January 2, 2008). "New Year's Reverie: Finally!". Sherdog.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  31. ^ Martins, Denis (May 22, 2008). "Machida Focused on Fighting, Not Feuds". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  32. ^ "Who is Lyoto Machida?Learn the story behind the UFC's greatest karateka". GRACIEMAG.com. 2009-01-27. Retrieved 2009-03- 08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); line feed character in |accessdate= at position 9 (help)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lyoto_Machida&oldid=286752607"