Caio Machado on Legacy FC 32 title fight: 'It's my chance to surprise everyone'

Caio Machado has a pretty big task on his hands tonight, and he knows it.

But he also knows if he pulls off a pretty big upset, he could be reaping a lot of benefits.

Machado (4-0) – who says his record really is 6-0 – meets Thomas Almeida (16-0) for Legacy Fighting Championship’s bantamweight title tonight at Legacy FC 32. The fight headlines the event on AXS TV from Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, La.

Machado and Almeida, both from Brazil, are among the most highly touted up-and-coming prospects in the lighter weight classes. Machado, just 21, will actually make his bantamweight debut against Almeida, 22.

Machado said he knows he’s got lots of work to do in the sport, but the fact he’s fighting for a title on national TV so quickly into his career may speak volumes.

“I consider myself a fighter who still has a long way to learn and mature, personally, technically, and mainly spiritually,” Machado told MMAjunkie. “But I think that every day, I get a little better standing, wrestling and on the ground. I aim to become a more complete fighter.”

He may have to be just that right away tonight against the more heralded Almeida, who has all 16 of his wins by stoppage with a dozen knockouts and four submissions.

But an upset of the more than 3-to-1 favorite could do wonders for Machado in a hurry – and derail Almeida from what many think is a soon-to-come invite from the UFC.

“I’m very honored to be facing him. It’s my chance to surprise everyone and make my name,” Machado said. “I fight for the love of it. I’m here to put on a show against someone on the verge of getting into the UFC. It’s an honor.”

Machado said he trained to be a fighter against his mother’s wishes when he was young. When he came up a little banged up, his secret was revealed. When he added jiu-jitsu to his boxing and muay Thai arsenal, the deal was sealed.

“I bypassed going to state college because I found out what I wanted to do in my life,” he said. “I gave up on my original goal of becoming a geographer. I apologized to my mom, packed my bags and left for Salvador (Brazil) to train. It’s what I want in life.”

That, and a championship, of course. But even falling short of that, Machado believes if he gives it everything he’s got, things will work out.

“Whether I win or lose, I’ll be giving my blood and my heart,” he said. “I’m just going to fight. And I know that to my family, I’ll always be a champion.”

For more on Legacy FC 32, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.