It’s strange to talk about Lyoto Machida as a non-UFC fighter. He exited the Octagon the way he entered; a pugilistic symbol of grace. His front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort was a violent deja vu recall to Belfort’s loss to Anderson Silva, but unfortunately — it would also be his last.
It’s a tough spot for the former UFC champion. Bellator signed Machida to a multi-fight deal after the UFC was slow to match their offer. Since then, Gegard Mousasi — a lowkey, but underrated trash talker — has had some choice words for Machida.