Lyoto Machida has long been the poster boy for Karate inside of the Octagon. Debuting in 2007 at UFC 67, Lyoto Machida authored an impressive 14-0 run in his mixed martial arts career before securing the UFC Light Heavyweight title off of then champion Rashad Evans at UFC 98 in 2009. Over the years Lyoto Machida has puzzled his opponents with his unorthodox Shotokan karate infused style while amassing one of the most impressive, flashy and crushing highlight reels in the sport.

In this edition of Signature Moves, Lyoto Machida goes through four of his Shotokan Karate based signature techniques and how he has utilised them inside the Octagon.

On the crane kick:

I learned this move from my father (Shotokan Master Yoshizo Machida), I start this move in the south paw stance, the balance comes from (my) core, I jump forward, I rise my left leg at a 45 degree angle and snap with my right left, my left foot connects with the ground while my right foot connects (with my opponents face)”.

“Steven Seagal said I should use this in my fight and he was right.

This resulted in what would be his most notable win to date, with Lyoto Machida executing the crane kick flawlessly against UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 129, in a victory that would make Mr Miyagi proud and also require Randy to need some dental work after the bout.

Further in the clip Lyoto Machida also goes through how to execute his double punch counter, diving punch and counter jab.

Lyoto Machida (born May 30, 1978) is a Brazilian Shotokan Karate stylist and mixed martial artist who currently fights in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship who also captured UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2009.

He holds notable wins over Rashad Evans, Tito Ortiz, BJ Penn, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson.