Machida Balancing Pressure with ‘History’ at UFC 129

Lyoto Machida (above) hopes to regain the form that won him a UFC title in 2009. | Photo: Dave Mandel

“The Dragon” began his career a perfect 16-0, culminating with a flawless 2009 that saw him win the UFC light heavyweight title from Rashad Evans at UFC 98, and then successfully defend the strap against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 104.

Six months after that controversial unanimous decision win, however, Machida had his lights turned out by “Shogun” in the first round of their UFC 113 rematch. The Brazilian followed that performance with another defeat, dropping a split decision to fellow former champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 123 in November.

Now, he takes on UFC hall of famer Randy Couture on the main card of UFC 129 in what is perhaps the last go-around for “The Natural.” Though he faces the possibility of a third-straight defeat, the karateka asserts that the pressure he feels has actually decreased since suffering the first two losses of his career.

“Every situation is different, and the pressure always exists. Whether it's the pressure of defending a title or fighting a legend like Randy Couture or having a third consecutive loss, there is always pressure,” said Machida during Tuesday's UFC 129 conference call. “After a loss or two, people humanize you. Before, you carry that pressure [of being undefeated]. I felt a lot more at ease [after my losses]. I still feel the pressure, but it's not the same type that I felt before.”

According to Machida, he has learned much from his two defeats that he will use to his advantage in the future.

“I came back after my first loss, which was a knockout [to Rua]. I knew Quinton [Jackson] was very explosive and very powerful, and I didn't want to take too much risk in the beginning of the fight,” explained Machida. “In the third round, I felt that Quinton might have tired out a little bit, so I was not as hesitant to pull the trigger. But I realized that I should have done that earlier. I think the outcome would have been different. Maybe I would have finished the fight.”

Looking through a broader scope, Machida believes that one of the keys to success lies in mixing up his approach and technique, even if he is winning.

“The biggest thing that I have learned is that you constantly need to be changing and evolving,” he said. “A lot of people think that if something is working then [you should not] change anything. But I realize now that when you're winning and you are the champion, that's when you constantly have to be evolving, because everybody is gunning for you.”

In regards to Couture, Machida asserts that he will bring his best game to the cage on April 30 in front of a projected 55,000 fans at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, not only to avoid his third-straight loss, but also out of respect for his opponent.

“It's an honor to fight someone like Randy Couture. He has built a history in this sport and has helped make the sport what it is today. Out of respect, I want to give my best to Randy on [April 30], because I think this plays an important part in history. Not only [will] I be the last guy to fight [him], but I [will] also have a legend like Randy on my résumé of [competitors] I have fought.”