Thursday was cause for celebration for Lyoto Machida, as learned he will be getting the shot at the UFC light heavyweight title, now held by Rashad Evans, he so craved. The about face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in giving what would have been Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s chance at the belt had to do with the heavyweight title unification bout at UFC 98 being nixed, due to an unfortunate training injury suffered by interim heavyweight title holder Frank Mir.
In need of a headlining match, the UFC’s organizers opted for a light heavyweight title challenge and fit in Lyoto where and over-worked Rampage would have been, had it been scheduled for a later date.
Shortly after his title challenge was confirmed, GRACIEMAG.com caught up with the Brazilian challenger shortly after his lunch, and he was clearly emotional when shortly after answering the call stated: “my moment is coming. Maybe yes, maybe no, but my chance has come at last.” Check out what more the karateka had to say in the following interview.
How did you find out about your title challenge being confirmed?
I found out just a bit before everyone else, I got a call from my manager saying it was a done deal. I was really happy because this is the chance I always hoped for and fought for. It’s a dream that after 15 years is being fulfilled. My moment is coming. Maybe yes, maybe not, but my opportunity has come. My story’s a bit different; I didn’t just come out of nowhere. A lot of folks don’t understand that. Ever since I saw Royce Gracie fight in the UFC I wanted to do no-rules fighting, so I prepared myself to be where I now am. I prepared myself for this situation. I’m not here by chance. That’s what I want to say. Now is a very important moment for me. A decisive moment because I’m going to put myself to the test come May 23, again. But I know this is just a step. My career will go on. Regardless of what happens I want to continue, if just because ones objectives change too.
Now you know about the fight, what will your preparations be like? What’s the next step?
Ever since the last fight [against Thiago Silva, at UFC 94] I’ve only had 10 days of rest. I traveled, went to Hawaii, enjoyed time with my son and my family and as soon as I got back I started training again, awaiting the UFC’s position. That’s always what I do. I train because I like it. Even my wife complains: ‘Geez, you just finished I fight and you’re back at training already?’ But that’s what I like doing, putting on the gi, training, both ground fighting and standing. I like it. So my preparations have already begun.
What is your impression of Rashad Evans as an adversary?
I know Rashad’s a super-strategic fighter, is good at wrestling, good at boxing, and hits real hard. But I’ve already fought a lot of guys like that. And this is just another fight for me. I can’t let myself think this is some seven-headed monster, I’m going to get out there and do my job. I think that’s what’s important. That’s the mentality that will make me stronger.
