Lyoto Machida
Vitals
6’1″ 185 lbs (Middleweight)
74″ reach, Southpaw
May 30, 1978
Record
22-5 (UFC: 14-5)
Current Streak
1 straight win
Training
3rd dan black belt in Shotokan (karate)
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Championships Held
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion: 2009-2010 (one successful title defense)
Strengths
– extremely dangerous striker
– elusive, unique fighting style
– knockout power in hands, feet, knees, etc.
– hits hard – lands lots of knockdowns (third most in UFC history)
– pulls off unpredictable/unique strikes
– very accurate striker
– great counter-striker
– style can prove difficult for some fighters to deal with
– great at staying out of striking range
– incredibly quick – with his strikes & with closing range
– great takedown defense
– seventh best takedown accuracy in UFC history
– very good striking in clinch and ground & pound
– great at passing guard on the ground
– calm, cerebral fighter
– carries an aura about him that may intimidate some opponents
– has beaten some of the top fighters in the world
– bigger & stronger than opponents at middleweight – has fought at heavyweight in past
– sense/aura of invincibility has been shattered Will we ever witness a return of “The Machida Era”?
Weaknesses
– if a fighter can close the distance & get inside on him they can be successful
– getting old for a fighter
- doesn’t finish a lot of fights
- often lacks aggression in fights while waiting to counter-strike
- doesn’t look to land many takedowns or look for submissions
– below average reach, even for a middleweight
Synopsis