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28/11/09 - Machida holds fan Q&A, talks Shogun, Anderson, Belfort
Lyoto Machida pleased his fans this week by taking part in a chat at Brazilian RedeTV, where he answered many questions about his career, Shogun, Anderson Silva and Rogerio Nogueira. Machida says he is currently just doing aerobic workouts because the surgery he underwent after the encounter with Mauricio Rua at UFC 104, when he successfully defended his belt.
Questioned about the polarising result against countrymate Mauricio Rua, he said “I think I was superior from round one to four, actually trying to finish the fight, and I slightly lost the fifth round.”
Vitor Belfort returned to the UFC with a stunning knock out over Rich Franklin at UFC 103, and since then, has been claimed as the next contender to middleweight title. The Dragon said his performance “was brilliant - but it’s important to understand that in this sport each fight has its own peculiarity”. In other words, people should not expect to see him do the same against Anderson.
About the discussed combat between Anderson and Vitor Belfort, the karateka commented: “Their fight isn’t confirmed. It seems Anderson will fight only in April because of his elbow. They’re great fighters and it’s hard to say who would win.”
All the people who attend MMA events, and even UFC president Dana White, want to see a clash between Lyoto and middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Machida refutes facing The Spider, but hints he would go up to the heavyweight division in the future.
“We won’t fight because we’re friends. We hang out, go to dinner and do many things together. I want to defend the belt some times and after that, make a personal challenge to test my potential. But it’s a thought for the future. Who knows - will I be the heavyweight champion one day?”
Back to the controversial outcome of the fight against Mauricio Shogun, the light-heavyweight champion was asked why most people thought Rua won the bout. He disagreed, answering, “I think most of the people thought I won. Only the MMA forums insist on all of this controversy.”
Lyoto Machida ended the interview affirming he won’t square off with Rogerio Nogueira either because of their friendship. “Let’s fight other guys,” he said.
The Brazilian Ninja
FO Staff Brasil
Thebrazilianninja@gmail.com
Transcribed and translated for Fighters Only by The Brazilian Ninja. Please credit Fighters Only for any extract of this English translation used, and Rede TV for the original interview. Thanks.
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