Lyoto Machida knows very well who he’s fighting Friday night.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion is set to rematch former Bellator titleholder Phil Davis in the main event of Bellator 245. It’s a rematch that stems from UFC 163 back in 2013, a fight “The Dragon” won via decision.
Machida (26-9 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) expects Davis to try to control him like he did the first time.
“Of course he’s going to try to take me down because he likes to score points,” Machida told MMA Junkie. “He likes to control the fight, but that’s my job. My job is to not let him fight. That’s it.”
Machida will get a good opportunity to even out the score against Davis, something he’s never done in his career. Prior to this matchup, Machida has never been booked to fight someone he’s previously defeated.
Despite the opportunity, the veteran is not out for revenge and did not look for the booking.
“Bellator offered me,” Machida said. “I’ve never had a sense of revenge in my life, so for me everything that’s passed, already passed. There is no need to dwell on that, my mind is free of that, and I got the opportunity because Bellator offered me. It’s a good fight for me.
“Even though we had a fight seven years ago, now it’s a completely different fight because we’re different fighters in many terms. Fight style you can change a bit but when you’re talking about person or fighters so many thing change so you have to considered that.”
Machida was last seen in actin in September of 2019, where he lost a split decision to Gegard Mousasi. Although it’s been a year layoff for the 42-year-old, Machida is feeling on point entering Bellator 245.
“I feel good since the pandemic,” Machida said. “I haven’t stopped training. Like I’ve said, it’s a lifestyle; it’s not about the competition. I love to train, I love to be in the academy, and I feel very good. I feel like I’m ready to fight. I had a great camp and now I’m just waiting for Friday.”
Lyoto Machida knows Phil Davis’ game: ‘Of course he’s going to try to take me down’