The stage for UFC 129 in Toronto will be the Rogers Centre, with it's classic retractable roof. Photo: Mike Russell.
He’s only had two career losses, back-to-back setbacks in 2010, but Lyoto Machida (16w, 2l) knows it’s no time to let himself go.
Former light heavyweight of the UFC Lyoto saw the belt once his change hands yet again. Jon Jones’s victory changed nothing in the Brazilian karateca’s routine, as he continues training hard in Belém, in the Brazilian state of Pará, to face his coming obstacles, among them a legendary middle-ager good at takedowns.
At UFC 129, on April 30 in Canada), Machida faces the 47-year-old Randy Couture.
To ward off any bad results, the Brazilian has been doing technical and physical training in three sessions, three times a week, coming to four and a half hours of prep work per day. On the other days of the week dedicates himself to sparring, while Saturdays are specifically for physical conditioning. His father, Yoshizo Machida, a reference in Brazilian karate, stays by his side throughout.
The training may be rough, but the former champion continues softening up his fans’ hearts, including of the president of the UFC. Interviewed for the Sunday edition of Brazil’s “O Globo” newspaper, Dana stressed that he looks kindly on Machida and his style of fighting.
“Is it true Lyoto Machida is in danger of getting axed by the UFC if he loses again?” queried “O Globo.”
“I love Machida, I love his style, the way he carries himself. And this next fight is really important for him. Let’s see what happens,” replied White.
What about you, dear reader, what’s going to happen in the Octagon?
UFC 129
Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields
José Aldo vs. Mark Hominick
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz
Lyoto Machida vs. Randy Couture
Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson
Spike TV broadcast card
Nate Diaz vs. Rory MacDonald
Sean Pierson vs. Brian Foster
Preliminary card (informal Canada vs. USA)
Yves Jabouin vs. Pablo Garza
Claude Patrick vs. Daniel Roberts
Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valencia
Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen
John Makdessi vs. Kyle Watson