Chinzo and Lyoto. Photo: Marcelo Alonso.
Win Fight Entertainment (WFE), which reaches the eighth-event mark on December 15, at the luxurious Fiesta Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Brazil, confirmed the fourth fight of the evening’s card; Chinzo Machida is set to face Bahia native Leonardo Laiola. Back at the luxury hotel for the fifth time, the event is set to kick off with middleweight, welterweight, and lightweight title fights.
The WFE Platinum marks the return of Chinzo Machida, brother to former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Chinzo is one of those responsible for his brother’s successful career. With numerous karate titles, Chinzo is making his return to MMA, a sport he has only appeared in twice.
Tipped to participate in major events, Chinzo, who is younger and more aggressive than his brother, commented on his return to the sport after four years.
“I did MMA to experiment, because Lyoto was already doing it and I wanted to test myself. I had two fights, but then, there was the Karate World Championship and a number of other events. I got involved with that and could only return now,” says the athlete.
However successful in karate competitions, Chinzo holds one knockout win and one submission loss on his MMA record.
“I’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling the whole time and I think I’m ready to return,” he says.
“I feel our attacks are distinct. My game was always more offensive and Lyoto’s was always more counter-attacking. But one must be balanced, I can’ be too offensive and make myself vulneraable, I can’t go in half cocked. I have to keep calm and wait for the right moment to attack and defend,” he reveals.
Chinzo’s opponent, a native of the Brazilian state of Bahia Leonardo Laiola is a student of famed boxing coach Luiz Carlos Dórea and has four wins on his five-fight record. Laiola will set foot in the WFE cage for the third time.
WFE Platinum 8
December 15, 2010
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Bruno “Carioca” Santos vs. Luis “Besouro” Junior
Edilberto “Crocotá” Oliveira vs. Sergio Júnior
Chinzo Machida vs. Leonardo Laiola
Erick “Parrudo” Barbosa vs. Jorge “Jorjão” Rodrigues
Ednaldo “Lula” Oliveira vs. to be announced
Amanda “Leoa dos Ringues” Nunes vs. to be announced