12 Interesting Facts About Lyoto Machida

Lyoto Machida is a former Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his unique fighting style that incorporates traditional Shotokan karate. Born on May 30, 1978, in Salvador, Brazil, Machida gained fame for his unorthodox stance, precision, and ability to avoid getting hit while delivering powerful strikes.

Known as “The Dragon,” he became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2009 and has been a prominent figure in MMA for his distinctive style and martial arts background.

Financial Overview:

Machida has earned millions over his career through fight purses and endorsements. His estimated net worth is around $4 million, with much of his wealth coming from high-profile fights in both the UFC and Bellator.

Residence:

Lyoto Machida currently resides in the United States, living in Los Angeles, California. Though born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, Machida has spent considerable time in the U.S. throughout his MMA career due to his participation in the UFC and other major fight promotions based in North America.

Machida frequently travels between the U.S. and Brazil, where he remains closely connected with his roots and family and still trains with his brother, Chinzo Machida, who is also a martial artist and coach.

Last Fight:

Lyoto Machida’s last fight took place on May 13, 2022, in age 43, in a Bellator MMA event where he faced British middleweight Fabian Edwards. The fight ended in a loss for Machida by knockout in the first round, marking Machida’s third consecutive defeat in the Bellator promotion.

As of this fight, Machida has not announced a retirement but has not been scheduled for any further bouts in major promotions since then. His professional MMA record includes notable wins over fighters such as Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort, and Randy Couture. Machida remains a respected figure in the MMA community for his technical skill and the pioneering of karate techniques in mixed martial arts.

Interesting Facts About Lyoto Machida:

1. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion: Machida became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2009 after defeating Rashad Evans by knockout, a fight that became iconic due to his impressive striking and evasive movements.
2. Karate Roots in MMA: Lyoto Machida is one of the few MMA fighters to bring Shotokan karate into the Octagon, using its techniques effectively. His fighting style helped popularize karate in MMA and inspired fighters to diversify their approaches.
3. First UFC Fighter with a Perfect Record: Before his first loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Machida had a perfect 16-0 record. This achievement made him one of the few UFC fighters at that time to hold an undefeated streak over so many fights, earning him admiration from fans and fighters alike.
4. Split-Leg Flying Front Kick: One of his most memorable knockouts was against Randy Couture in 2011 at UFC 129, where he used a split-leg flying front kick to knock Couture out. This kick, often called the “Karate Kid Kick,” became legendary in the MMA world and was considered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history.
5. Middleweight Weight Cut Struggles: After initially competing in the light heavyweight division, Machida later transitioned to middleweight, but the weight cuts proved to be challenging. The transition was aimed at reigniting his career; however, it affected his stamina and durability in fights.
6. Failed Drug Test (2016): In 2016, Machida faced a setback after testing positive for a banned substance, 7-keto-DHEA. He admitted to taking the substance unknowingly, but this led to an 18-month suspension, which impacted his career and reputation.
7. Gruesome Knockout by Yoel Romero: In 2015, Machida suffered one of the toughest losses of his career against Yoel Romero, who knocked him out with a series of brutal elbows. The knockout was one of the most severe of his career and raised questions about his longevity in the sport.
8. Last Fight in UFC: Machida’s last fight in the UFC was a split-decision loss to Vitor Belfort. Afterward, he signed with Bellator MMA, marking the end of his long tenure with the UFC. This move symbolized a new chapter but also the end of an era for fans who followed his early career.
9. Japanese-Brazilian Heritage: Machida is one of the most prominent Japanese-Brazilian fighters, and he frequently integrates his Japanese heritage into his public persona and fighting philosophy, with Shotokan karate taught to him by his father, Yoshizo Machida.
10. Training with Family: Machida’s father, Yoshizo, a Shotokan karate master, trained him since childhood. This family dynamic helped mold Machida’s style, emphasizing traditional karate ethics and discipline.
11. Nickname “The Dragon”: His nickname, “The Dragon,” reflects his stoic approach and mystical aura in the ring, as well as his deep connection to the discipline of martial arts.
12. Vegan Diet: Machida adopted a vegan diet later in his career, claiming it improved his performance and recovery. This diet change has been part of his holistic approach to fitness and discipline.