LONDON – Lyoto Machida hasn’t given up on his title hopes, but won’t hang his head if he doesn’t achieve his goal.
That’s because Machida (26-11 MMA, 2-3 BMMA) already has a Hall of Fame career, having captured the UFC light heavyweight title and beaten some of the biggest names in the sport.
The 43-year-old returns to 185 pounds when he faces Fabian Edwards (9-2 MMA, 5-2 BMMA) in Friday’s Bellator 281 co-main event, which takes place at OVO Arena Wembley in London. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
“I’m not in this sport just for fun,” Machida told MMA Junkie Wednesday at Bellator 281 media day. “I’m here because I like it. Of course, I feel very motivated to start my week and also I want to climb the top, I want to be a champion, but as I said, to be champion is not the main goal. I want to be a champion, but if it’s not possible, it’s OK. I have to accept everything because I already did a lot.”
Machida will look to snap a three-fight losing skid and although he’s not looking past Edwards, he would be interested in facing the winner of the title fight between middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi and Johnny Eblen at Bellator 282 in June. Machida and Mousasi already fought twice, with Machida winning in 2014 and Mousasi avenging his loss over five years later at Bellator 228.
“Yes I believe so, but I don’t like to say anything before,” Machida said about another fight with Mousasi. “But after this fight, after this victory, for sure I think Mousasi or the next champion would be the perfect matchup for me.”
Lyoto Machida motivated to become Bellator champion, ‘but if it’s not possible, it’s OK’
