When Lyoto Machida joined Bellator after back-to-back UFC wins over Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort, many expected him to be a win away from a shot at Gegard Mousasi’s middleweight title or Ryan Bader’s light heavyweight belt. Yet, “The Dragon” is now entering now third Bellator bout with no title on the line.
Machida will face now former champion Mousasi in the co-main event of Bellator 228 on Sept. 28 in Inglewood, Calif., and admits he’s also surprised that it’s taking so long for him to challenge for a belt in Bellator, but explains that it was his call this time.