Machida Overcomes Pressure, Kicks Couture into Retirement

Lyoto Machida (file photo) notched a statement win on Saturday night. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Rather than freeze in the moment, however, Machida used his trademark footwork and speed to stifle opponent Randy Couture at UFC 129, eventually knocking out the former five-time UFC champion with a deadly front kick to the face.

“Yes, I did feel a lot of pressure, because I was coming off of back-to-back losses. I wanted to show the best Lyoto Machida that the world has ever seen,” said Machida at the post-fight news conference. “My training was pretty much the same, but we did bring on a nutritionist and a different coach to help in some areas.”

Although the former 205-pound champion mixed up his regimen to maximize his physical abilities, he asserted that equally important was remembering what brought him to the dance in the first place: his karate.

“The main changes were to my strength and conditioning, but also to my karate,” said the Brazilian. “I went back and trained a lot of the karate that brought me to where I am today.”

Machida’s bout-ending kick looked strikingly similar to one used by teammate and UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva against Vitor Belfort in their February clash. Both Machida and Silva have famously trained with former action film star and aikido practitioner Steven Seagal, and both credited the actor for his help following their victories.

“I trained this kick a lot. I’ve had it in my arsenal and I just had to wait for the right moment to pull the trigger and utilize it. [Steven Seagal] always reinforced to me to try that kick, and when it lands, it will work. I definitely give credit to him for helping me perfect that kick,” said Machida.

“The technique itself, [Anderson and I have] known for a long time. But I definitely think that Seagal helping us perfect it made a difference.”

Though the kick provided him with a much-needed victory, Machida also recognized that he had effectively retired one of the sport’s greatest competitors of all-time. Ever the sportsman, Machida gave credit where it was due following the fight.

“I came here to win the fight and that was my goal, but as a professional athlete who cares about other athletes, I definitely wanted to make sure that [Couture] wasn’t hurt and nothing serious happened to him,” said Machida. “I did notice [the cheers when Couture arose after the knockout]. It’s completely well-deserved after everything Randy has done for this sport.”