Fighting Style
Lyoto Machida born May 30, 1978 is a Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter of Japanese Brazilian descent
who fights as a light heavyweight in the UFC. Lyoto is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and is
undefeated in his mix martial arts career. He learned his fighting style karate from his dad Yoshizo
Machida Lyoto has fought many big name opponents in his UFC career, names like Stephen
Bonnar, Thiago Silva, for UFC Light Heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, B.J. Penn. He also went up
against 2 undefeated fighters Rich Franklin and Rashad Evans. Starting karate at the early age of 3
and earning his black belt by age 13, he was born and raised to fight. He also trained in sumo and
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for his ground game. Machida made his UFC debut on the prelims of UFC 67
against Sam Hoger and won by unanimous decision. His first highly anticipated fight would be
against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Lyoto would end the fight in a arm triangle choke in the second
round. Lyoto would finally fight against Rashad Evans for the title of UFC Light Heavyweight belt. In
UFC 98, the fight between 2 undefeated fighters would take place. Lyoto would come out on top knocking
Rashad Evans to the mat, crowning Lyoto Machida the new UFC Light Heavyweight champion.
