So, Lyoto Machida got the job done.
On Saturday night in his hometown of Belem, Brazil, against an unbeaten former college football star who the UFC were clearly hoping to build off Machida’s name, ‘The Dragon’ showed there was still some fire in his belly, eking out a split decision victory over hot prospect Eryk Anders.
It was a welcome return to form for the former UFC light heavyweight champion, who had lost three in a row – including his return bout after 28 months out against Derek Brunson last October – prior to the Anders contest.