UFC will decide on Lyoto title shot after UFC 173
“In reality, we still have a fight that has to be done,” said Grace Tourinho. “So we need to wait for that fight to happen and then I’m sure everyone will get their chances.”
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida fought Gegard Mousasi at middleweight in the main event of UFC Fight Night 36 on Saturday. UFC president Dana White was impressed, via Twitter.
Dana White @danawhite
It was a great fight! Lyoto looked f–-ing awesome against someone NASTY.
Machida himself, ever the humble martial arts master, had a more nuanced assessment.
The thing is, we always want to be able to get a knockout or submit our opponents, but Mousasi’s a very tough fighter, said Machida at the post fight press conference, as transcribed by MMAJunkie. He’s shown us he’s been a champion in the U.S. and Japan, so when you’re going against one of the top fighters, a single detail can make all the difference. So I think it was a very tough fight. I have to watch it again, but I’m sure I’m ready for the title bout.
Managing Director of UFC Brazil Grace Tourinho said that Machida is not necessarily the next contender. That has to wait for the title fight between Chris Wediman and Vitor Belfort at UFC 173 on May 24.
In reality, we still have a fight that has to be done,” said Tourinho at the post-fight press conference. “So we need to wait for that fight to happen and then I’m sure everyone will get their chances. Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.
An obvious alternative to a title fight would be a #1 contender showdown between the winners of Saturday’s co main.
Both fighters were asked at the post fight press con, and both said they would take the fight, albeit with some reluctance. Via MMAFighting’s Guilherme Cruz:
Guilherme Cruz @guicruzzz
•Jacare on fighting Machida
•Machida on fighting Jacare: “Like Jacare said, I wouldn’t like this fight, but I’d take it.”
So what do you think UG? Who is the winner of Weidman vs. Belfort going to fight? And does Weidman keep his title?