Enter The Dragon

MMA Sport issue 10 interview exclusive with Lyoto Machida

Mmasports: Congratulations on your great win against Sokoudjou, what are your thoughts on that fight?
Lyoto: I thought it was a great fight. I believe that it showed that Martial arts work. I was the smaller guy and technique is what won that fight.

Mmasports: Did you know much about your opponent going into the fight?
Lyoto: Not really, I knew he was a very strong, explosive fighter.

Mmasports: You dominated the fight, what was your game plan?
Lyoto: My game plan was exactly what you saw.

Mmasports: Do you think he underestimated you as a fighter?
Lyoto: From the interviews I read I do believe he underestimated me.

Mmasports: What are your thoughts on Sokoudjou?
Lyoto: He will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Mmasports: What have you been doing since the fight?
Lyoto: I just finished shooting a book, and know I’m back in Belem, Brazil training and waiting for my next opponent.

Mmasports:: How did you get the nickname ‘The Dragon’?
Lyoto: My name Lyoto comes from the meaning of Dragon in Japanese.

Mmasports: You’re 12-0, very impressive resume, when are you ready for a title shot?
Lyoto: I’m ready right now.

Mmasports: What do you think of Quinton Jackson?
Lyoto: I think he is a tough fighter who seems to keep improving.

Mmasports: What do you think would be the outcome of a fight between you and Quinton Jackson?
Lyoto: I believe I will have the belt around my waist.

Mmasports: Tell us a little about your martial arts background?
Lyoto: I’ve been training Karate since the age of 3. I’ve also trained Judo and Sumo at a very young age. I started to train Jiu-Jitsu at age 15.

Mmasports: Who do you train with?
Lyoto:My brother Chinzo, my Father, Anderson Silva, Daniel Woirin, Nino Shembri, and all the guys at Black House

Mmasports: What’s next for you, who is next for you?
Lyoto: They offered me a fight against Tito (Ortiz). I have accepted.

Mmasports: Who would you like to fight in the UFC?
Lyoto: I would like to fight against the best. Who ever they put in front of me I will fight.

Mmasports: Any last comments?
Lyoto: I would like to thank all the fans that rooted for me, and I would like to thank my family, friends, and of coarse the UFC for making 2007 a year to remember.