Lyoto Machida

Lyoto was born in Salvador, Bahia state, as the third son of Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida (町田嘉三),{{cite web |last=Leidecker |first=Tim |date=27 January 2009 |title=Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil' |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/someone-has-to-lose-in-battle-of-brazil-15948 |access-date=13 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com}} the highly ranked head of the Brazilian branch of the Japan Karate Association.{{cite web |url=http://www.jka.or.jp/english/about/overseas.html |title=Link text |publisher=Jka.or.jp |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326075406/http://www.jka.or.jp/english/about/overseas.html |archive-date=26 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Yoshizo moved to Brazil from Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan when he was 22 years old, where he met and married Lyoto's Brazilian mother, Ana Cláudia. In Japanese, Lyoto's name (龍太) is read as "Ryūta" (or "Lyūta" – Japanese language does not differentiate the letters "L" and "R"). However, his mother opposed it, as names ending in "a" are generally feminine in Portuguese. Because of that, they decided to name him Lyoto, with the masculine ending "o".{{Cite web |title=Lyoto Machida - Galera, vocês sabem a origem do meu nome? A primeira sílaba do meu nome "Lyo", lembra a pronúncia da palavra "Ryu", que significa dragão em japonês. Meu pai queria colocar Ryuta, mas a minha mãe lembrou que, por estarmos no Brasil, esse nome pareceria de menina. Aí ficou Lyoto. O Dragão continua como nome de guerra! OSS / Do you know the origin of my name? The first syllable of my name, "Lyo", reminds the pronunciation of the word "Ryu", which means dragon in Japanese. My father wanted to put Ryuta, but my mother remembered because we were in Brazil that name would sound like a girl's name. Then, they have chosen Lyo + to= Lyoto . That's why I became The Dragon! OSS {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/lyotomachidaoficial/photos/a.124466551067075/1235881943258858/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}{{Citation |title=LYOTO MACHIDA - Flow #294 | date=5 November 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms-UKqhtZBg |access-date=2023-12-11 |language=en}} Growing up in Belém, Lyoto began training in Karate at the age of 3 and earned his black belt at the age of 13.{{cite web |url=http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_250/294_lyoto-machida-am-fighter-interview.html |title=AM Fighter Interview? |website=Askmen.com|access-date=3 February 2016}} He also began training in Sumo at the age of 8, and then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo at 16. He won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.com/fighters/lyoto.shtml |title=Los Angeles Dojo Fighters – Lyoto Machida |work=NJPW.com |date=August 11, 2023 |access-date=3 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322025341/http://www.njpw.com/fighters/lyoto.shtml |archive-date=22 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Later he travelled to Thailand to study Muay Thai, to Japan to study Catch Wrestling at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Dojo and finally to the United States to pursue his UFC career.

He was the runner-up in the 2000 Brazilian Sumo Championships in the 115 kg division. As an adult, he became Brazilian Champion twice, and placed second in the South American Championship. He defeated American fighter and jiu-jitsu black belt Rafael Lovato Jr. at L.A. Sub X. In addition to his sumo and karate achievements, he has a college degree in Physical Education.

Machida trained at the Inoki L.A. Dojo for six months in 2003 where he lived with future professional wrestlers Shinsuke Nakamura and Bryan Danielson.{{Cite web|title=Exclusive: Lyoto Machida Recalls Living With Daniel Bryan And Shinsuke Nakamura {{!}} Fightful News|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-lyoto-machida-recalls-living-daniel-bryan-and-shinsuke-nakamura|access-date=2021-03-23|website=www.fightful.com|language=en}}

Machida began his career in mixed martial arts under the management of legendary professional wrestler and MMA pioneer Antonio Inoki in Japan. On 2 May 2003, he defeated Kengo Watanabe by decision in his professional debut on a card promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling in Tokyo. During this time he competed under the name of Lyoto, written in all caps. He was discussed by Inoki as a symbolic "successor" figure for himself, as Naoya Ogawa and Kazuyuki Fujita had been in the past.{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230312/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 July 2006|title=February 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=February 2003|access-date=13 January 2019}}

In his second fight, he defeated future UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar by technical knockout due to a cut in the inaugural event promoted by Jungle Fight in Manaus, Brazil. This was Bonnar's first professional loss.

On 31 December 2003, he took part in Inoki's annual event Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003, where he fought future UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin in a catchweight bout in which both men weighed in at 214 lb (97 kg). In front of over 40,000 fans at Kobe Wing Stadium, Machida defeated Franklin via TKO in the second round. He staggered Franklin with a counter left punch and knocked him down with a front kick to the face, finishing up with punches which forced the referee to stop the fight. This was Franklin's first professional defeat.

Following this, Machida went on to compete for the K-1 promotion, where he beat kickboxers Michael McDonald (by submission) and Sam Greco (by split decision) under MMA rules. When K-1 began promoting Hero's, a series of fight cards featuring only MMA bouts rather than cards mixed with kickboxing matches, Machida was transferred there. He took on former UFC Welterweight Champion B.J. Penn on 26 March 2005, in Saitama at Hero's 1 in an openweight match. Machida weighed in at {{convert|225|lb|abbr=on}} while Penn weighed in at {{convert|191|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.hero-s.com/03eventresult/20050326/06_bj_lyoto/06_bj_lyoto.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603110627/http://www.hero-s.com/03eventresult/20050326/06_bj_lyoto/06_bj_lyoto.html|archive-date=3 June 2009|title=Events and results. 第6試合 総合格闘技ルール（5分3R） |work=Hero-s.com |access-date=10 February 2009}} Machida won by unanimous decision.

Machida made his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 67 against Sam Hoger and won by unanimous decision. He was expected to fight Forrest Griffin at UFC 70, but Griffin was out due to a staph infection and was replaced by undefeated David Heath,{{cite news| first = Thomas| last = Gerbasi| work = UFC.com| url = http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4848| title = David Heath to Replace Griffin against Machida at UFC 70| date = 15 March 2007| access-date = 15 March 2007| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070317194657/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4848| archive-date = 17 March 2007}} whom Machida beat by unanimous decision. He next faced judo practitioner and Pride Fighting Championship veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at UFC 76. Machida won by unanimous decision and Nakamura would later test positive for marijuana.{{cite web |last=Strupp |first=Dan |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2007/09/kazuhiro-nakamura-fails-ufc-76-drug-test |title=Kazuhiro Nakamura Fails UFC 76 Drug Test |work=MMAJunkie.com |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=17 February 2022}}

At UFC 79, Machida faced Sokoudjou, a judo practitioner making his UFC debut after back-to-back upset knockout victories over Pride veterans Antônio Rogério Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. Machida submitted Sokoudjou with an arm triangle choke at 4:20 of the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-79-review-liddell-st-pierre-victorious-2|title=UFC 79 review: Liddell & St-Pierre victorious|date=December 30, 2007|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}

Machida's next fight was at UFC 84 against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz, in what was thought to be Ortiz's final UFC appearance after a dispute with UFC President Dana White.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/02/ufc-confirms-jardine-vs-silva-ortiz-vs-machida-for-ufc-84|title=UFC Confirms Jardine vs. Silva, Ortiz vs. Machida for UFC 84|date=February 28, 2008|work=MMAjunkie.com}} Machida frustrated Ortiz with lateral movement and counterstriking while successfully defending against the former champion's takedowns. In the closing minutes of the third round Machida knocked Ortiz down with a knee to the body. As Machida moved in to finish the fight, Ortiz almost locked in a triangle choke before transitioning to an armbar attempt.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-84-ill-will-play-by-play-12885 |title=UFC 84 'Ill Will' Play-by-Play |work=Sherdog.com |date=24 May 2008 |access-date=19 January 2009}} Machida managed to escape and win by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 30–27 in his favor.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaopinion.com/2008/05/27/are-judges-favoring-the-lyoto-machida-style/ |title=Are Judges Favoring the Lyoto Machida Style? |first=Brandt |last=DeLorenzo |work=MMAOpinion.com |date=27 May 2008 |access-date=19 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203042139/http://www.mmaopinion.com/2008/05/27/are-judges-favoring-the-lyoto-machida-style/ |archive-date=3 February 2009 }} Years after the bout, Dana White revealed that the only time he ever awarded a personal check of his to a fighter was to Machida, for defeating Ortiz.{{cite web |url=http://mmanuts.com/news/post-fight-bonus-tito-fight-made-lyoto-machida-feel-like-hitman/ |title=Post-Fight Bonus After Tito Fight Made Lyoto Machida Feel Like a Hitman |work=mmanuts.com.com |date=25 February 2014 |access-date=25 February 2014}}

In the co-main event of UFC 94, Machida faced fellow undefeated Brazilian contender Thiago Silva.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/11/lyoto-machida-vs-thiago-silva-confirmed-for-ufc-94|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva confirmed for UFC 94|date=November 17, 2008|work=MMAjunkie.com}} The two were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 89, but a back injury forced Silva to withdraw from the contest.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/injured-silva-withdraws-from-ufc-89-14296 |title=Injured Silva Withdraws from UFC 89 |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=12 April 2009}} UFC President Dana White indicated in the pre-fight press conference that Machida would receive a title shot with a victory, while Silva would need to defeat Machida and win one more contest before earning the same opportunity.{{cite web|last=Meltzer |first=Dave |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-silvamachida013009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title=Machida-Silva a worthy UFC 94 understudy – MMA – Yahoo! Sports |date=30 January 2009 |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=12 April 2009}} Machida was able to knock down Silva twice during the first round before ultimately knocking him out after tripping him and jumping in landing the knockout punch at 4:59 of the first round, scoring his first UFC knockout victory and winning his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-hands-down-65000-bonuses-for-ufc-94-2 |title=UFC hands down $65,000 bonuses for UFC 94 |publisher=MMA Weekly |date=1 February 2009 |access-date=17 February 2022}}

Despite Machida's knockout of Thiago Silva, Dana White indicated that he was not the number one contender for a title shot. Instead, a scheduled fight between former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson and Keith Jardine would determine Machida's title fate. A victory for Jackson would earn him a fight with champion Rashad Evans, but a win for Jardine would mean Machida would be awarded with a title shot.{{cite web|url=http://www.tatame.com/2009/02/16/To-get-titleshot-Machida-cheers-for-Jardine |title=To get titleshot, Machida cheers for Jardine |publisher=TATAME |date=24 November 2008 |access-date=14 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219173527/http://tatame.com/2009/02/16/To-get-titleshot-Machida-cheers-for-Jardine |archive-date=19 February 2009 }} Jackson won the fight via unanimous decision, but torn ligaments in his jaw forced the former champion out of the bout. Instead, Machida would challenge Evans for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 98.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/03/its-official-evans-to-meet-machida-not-jackson-at-ufc-98|title=Done deal: Rashad Evans to meet Lyoto Machida, not Quinton Jackson, at UFC 98 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=11 March 2009 |access-date=17 February 2022}} Jackson would retain his title shot against the winner of that match upon returning from injury.

Machida then met Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans in another clash of undefeated fighters on the main event of UFC 98. Machida scored an early knockdown in the first round and ultimately knocked Evans out with a flurry of punches at 3:57 of the second round, becoming the tenth UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. His performance earned him Knockout of the Night honors with a $60,000 bonus for the second time.{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/60000-bonuses-handed-out-at-ufc-98-2 |title=$60,000 Bonuses Handed Out At UFC 98 |publisher=MMAWeekly |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=30 May 2009}}

Machida was expected to face Quinton Jackson in his first title defense, but Jackson opted to coach the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter instead. Pride Fighting Championship's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix winner Maurício Rua was then selected as Machida's first title challenger.{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/shogun-agrees-to-machida-bout-in-principle-2 |title=Shogun agrees to Machida bout, in principle |date=29 May 2009 |publisher=MMAWeekly |access-date=30 May 2009}} The bout took place on 24 October 2009, at UFC 104, with Machida winning by unanimous decision, 48–47 from all three judges, with one stating that Machida "landed the more damaging strikes throughout the fight" and was the more "effective aggressor".{{cite web|url=http://www.cagereport.net/Cecil-Peoples-I-believe-Lyoto-won-the-fight-clearly.html|title=Tom Jenkins|website=Cagereport.net|access-date=3 February 2016}}

Out of the three judges, Nelson Hamilton gave Machida rounds 2, 3 and 4. Cecil Peoples and Marcos Rosales each gave Machida the first three rounds. In spite of this, a significant amount of the audience in attendance booed the decision after it was delivered, voicing their support for Rua. Writers for a number of sports websites and magazines also claimed they felt Rua had won.{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25102009/58/shogun-blame-himself.html|title='Shogun' has no one to blame but himself|publisher=Yahoo!}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaconvert.com/2009/12/28/judge-changes-mind-says-shogun-won-that-fight|title=Judge Changes Mind, Says Shogun Won That Fight|first=Steve|last=Barry|publisher=MMAConvert}} There were also MMA fighters in attendance who voiced support for the decision, among them were several of Machida's training partners, including Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Junior dos Santos, José Aldo, Rafael Cavalcante and Anderson Silva.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Brazilian-Pros-Discuss-Machida-Shogun-20597|title=Brazilian Pros Discuss Machida-Shogun|last=Alonso|first=Marcelo|publisher=Sherdog}} A FightMetric analysis of the fight suggested that Rua had been more aggressive and had landed more blows to the head and legs than Machida,{{cite web|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua |url=http://www.fightmetric.com/fights/Machida-Shogun.html |access-date=18 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212231348/http://www.fightmetric.com/fights/Machida-Shogun.html |archive-date=12 February 2010 }} while CompuStrike reported that Rua landed almost twice as many strikes as Machida did. Both FightMetric and CompuStrike explicitly state on their websites that they are not intended to be used to judge MMA events, and are merely a way to track a fighter's activity.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/The-Weekly-Wrap-Oct-24-Oct-30-20635|title=The Weekly Wrap: Oct. 24 – Oct. 30|last=Encarnacao|first=Jack|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=3 February 2016}}

Because of the controversy surrounding the close decision, on 8 May 2010, at UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Machida and Rua rematched, seven months after their original fight.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/7090.html|title= UFC 113: Machida v Rua 2 confirmed |date=February 11, 2010|work=ESPN}} In the much anticipated rematch, both fighters started aggressively and scored significant points in striking exchanges, with Machida scoring two takedowns during the round. Rua showed strong defense on the ground, spinning to attempt a kneebar before both fighters returned to their feet. In a striking exchange, Rua swerved to avoid a left straight from Machida and landed a powerful counter overhand right to the temple, which knocked Machida down. Rua then took the full mount and proceeded to knock Machida out with ground-and-pound, making him the new Light Heavyweight Champion at 3:35 of round 1,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=5174238|title=Rua upends Machida in rematch|last=Knapp|first=Brian|date=9 May 2010|publisher=ESPN}} with Machida suffering his first MMA career loss.

In his first fight after losing the title, Machida faced Quinton "Rampage" Jackson on the main event of UFC 123.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/09/ufc-123-official-with-rampage-vs-machida-hughes-vs-penn-iii|title=UFC 123 official with "Rampage" vs. Machida, Hughes vs. Penn III|date=September 14, 2010|work=MMAjunkie.com}} During the first round Machida landed several leg kicks and some counter punches while Rampage predominantly landed from the clinch, utilizing stomps and punches to Machida's side. Both Compustrike{{cite web|url=http://www.compustrike.com/stats_files/ufc_123/Jackson-MacHida.HTM |title=CompuStrike Results for Jackson vs MacHida held in DETROIT on 11/21/2010 |website=Compustrike.com |access-date=3 February 2016}} and Fightmetric{{cite web|url=http://blog.fightmetric.com/2010/11/rampage-vs-machida-fightmetric-report.html |title=FightMetric: Rampage vs. Machida FightMetric Report |website=Blog.fightmetric.com |access-date=3 February 2016}} records show that Rampage out-struck Machida when counting blows such as stomps and elbows to the thigh in the clinch, while Machida landed more strikes during the standup exchanges. In the second round, Compustrike and Fightmetric records show Rampage as the busier overall fighter, and Rampage also scored a takedown. The cleanest and most significant blow of the second round was an uppercut landed by Rampage. In the third round, Machida landed a counter left that stunned Rampage and followed it with a flurry of punches, kicks and knees that backed Jackson into the cage. When Rampage tried to retaliate, Machida scored a takedown, eventually gaining full mount and attempted a submission. At the end of the bout, Rampage was declared the winner via split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-123-results-rampage-jackson-squeaks-by-lyoto-machida|title=UFC 123 results: Rampge Jackson squeaks by Lyoto Machida|date=November 21, 2010|author=Ken Pishna|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}

In the post-fight interview, Rampage expressed that the fairest thing would be to offer Machida an immediate rematch, as he felt he had lost the fight. Five of 7 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Machida.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision.jsp?id=2030|title=MMA Decisions - UFC 123 Rampage vs Machida |publisher=mmadecisions.com |date= 21 November 2010}} However, since UFC President Dana White personally felt that Rampage won the fight, he denied the possibility of an immediate rematch. This generated some controversy, as White had previously awarded an immediate rematch to Rua in spite of a unanimous judgment decision awarded to Machida in that fight.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/no-immediate-rematch-for-quinton-jackson-and-lyoto-machida|title=No Immediate Rematch for Quinton Jackson and Lyoto Machida|date=21 November 2010 |publisher=MMAWeekly}}

Machida was then set to face UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture on 30 April 2011, at UFC 129.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-129-in-toronto-will-feature-randy-couture-vs-lyoto-machida|title=UFC 129 in Toronto will feature Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida|date=January 2, 2011|publisher=mmaweekly.com|author=Ken Pishna}} UFC President Dana White had indicated that Machida was under pressure to perform in his upcoming bout against Couture, saying, "this is a must-win for him."{{cite web|url=http://www.fightline.com/fl/news/2011/0122/535747/tito-ortiz|title=Dana White: Tito Ortiz, Lyoto Machida Fighting For Their Jobs|last=Wayne|first=Mark|publisher=FightLine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711001624/http://www.fightline.com/fl/news/2011/0122/535747/tito-ortiz/|archive-date=11 July 2011}} Machida defeated Couture via KO with a jumping front kick to the face at 1:02 of the second round, earning his third Knockout of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/30/ufc-129-lyoto-machida-knocks-out-randy-couture-in-spectacular-f|title=UFC 129: Lyoto Machida Knocks Out Randy Couture in Spectacular Fashion|date=April 30, 2011|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Michael David Smith}} Machida's kick received praise for being similar to the Crane kick featured in the 1984 movie The Karate Kid. Dana White commented that Machida's performance versus Couture put him back into the mix at the top of the division, but stated that he was not yet the next in line for a title shot.{{cite web|last=Cole |first=Ross |url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/featured/who-will-lyoto-machida-fight-next-in-2011-after-koing-couture/ |title=Who Will Lyoto Machida Fight Next In 2011 After KO'ing Couture? |website=Fightofthenight.com |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=3 February 2016}} Joe Rogan ranked it as the 4th Deadliest Head Kick Knockout in 2015.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_JxK64_lA0 |title=YouTube video |website=YouTube |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-date=13 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413073816/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_JxK64_lA0 |url-status=dead }}

Machida was then briefly linked to a rematch with Rashad Evans at UFC 133, replacing an injured Phil Davis.{{cite web|url=http://www.headkicklegend.com/2011/7/12/2273117/ufc-133-fight-card-phil-davis-out-rashad-evans-set-to-rematch-lyoto|title=UFC 133 Fight Card: Phil Davis Out. Rashad Evans Set to Rematch Lyoto Machida |publisher=headkicklegend.com|date=12 July 2011 |last=Roth |first=Matthew |access-date=12 July 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/7/13/2273833/ufc-133-fight-card-lyoto-machida-vs-rashad-evans-official|title=UFC 133 Fight Card: Lyoto Machida vs. Rashad Evans a Done Deal |work=bloodyelbow.com |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=13 July 2011}} However, Dana White claimed that Machida wanted "Anderson Silva money" for taking the fight on short notice and the UFC decided to schedule Tito Ortiz for the fight with Evans.{{cite web|url=http://www.5thround.com/81666/dana-white-lyoto-machida-accepted-fight-then-demanded-anderson-silva-money/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716235527/http://www.5thround.com/81666/dana-white-lyoto-machida-accepted-fight-then-demanded-anderson-silva-money/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2011|title=Exclusive: Machida's wife confirms 'no fight' |work=fightersonly.co.uk |last=Cruz |first=Eduardo |date=13 July 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24382/white-machida-reneged-on-ufc-133-committment-ortizs-job-no-longer-on-line.mma|title=White: Machida reneged on UFC 133 commitment|work=mmajunkie.com|last=Morgan|first=John|date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710061058/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24382/white-machida-reneged-on-ufc-133-committment-ortizs-job-no-longer-on-line.mma|archive-date=10 July 2012}}

Machida was in talks to face Phil Davis, but the fight did not happen due to Davis needing more time to recover from knee surgery.{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/breaking-news-lyoto-machida-returns-against-phil-davis-at-ufc-140 |title=Not So Fast: Looks Like Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis at UFC 140 is a No-Go |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=3 February 2016}} Instead, Machida replaced an injured Rashad Evans and faced UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones on 10 December 2011, in the main event of UFC 140.{{cite news|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-140-main-event-set-with-jon-jones-vs-lyoto-machida|title=UFC 140 main event set with Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida|date=October 6, 2011|publisher=mmaweekly.com|author=Ken Pishna|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos }} After a first round that saw Machida rock Jones with a punch, in the second round Jones took Machida down and cut him with an elbow strike. After standing up, Machida was knocked down with a straight left counter and then caught in a standing guillotine and choked unconscious at 4:26 of the second round, losing the title bout by technical submission.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/977897-ufc-140-results-jon-jones-submits-lyoto-machida-in-round-2|title=UFC 140 Results: Jon Jones Submits Lyoto Machida in Round 2|date=December 11, 2011|work=Bleacher Report}} Both men won Fight of the Night honors.

Machida then faced The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner Ryan Bader on 4 August 2012, in the co-main event of UFC on Fox 4.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28483/ryan-bader-vs-lyoto-machida-added-to-ufc-on-fox-4-in-los-angeles|title=Ryan Bader vs Lyoto Machida added to UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles |date=30 April 2012}} In a dominant performance throughout the contest, Machida knocked out Bader with a counter right hand at the 1:32 mark of the second round. As a result, Machida was expected to get another title shot.{{cite news|title=Magic Machida earns title shot after Shogun goes deep|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/163714.html|access-date=6 August 2012|newspaper=ESPN|date=5 August 2012}}

Following the abrupt cancellation of UFC 151, Machida's rematch with Jon Jones was expected to take place at UFC 152,{{cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2012/08/jones-machida-rematch-headlines-ufc-152-in-toronto-flyweight-title-now-co-main |title=Jones-Machida rematch headlines UFC 152 in Toronto, flyweight title now co-main |publisher=mmajunkie.com |access-date=18 February 2022|author=Matt Erickson|date=23 August 2012 }} but Machida declined the fight citing that he did not have ample time to prepare, and was replaced by Vitor Belfort.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/8/24/3264658/ufc-152-jon-jones-vs-vitor-belfort-machida-mma-news|title=Lyoto Machida Turns Down Title Shot, Jon Jones To Face Vitor Belfort At UFC 152|date=August 24, 2012|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Tim Burke}} As a result of turning down the fight at UFC 152, it was later confirmed by the UFC that Machida no longer had an immediate title shot.

Machida faced the Final Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, Pride Middleweight Champion, Pride Welterweight Champion and at that time #1 contender Dan Henderson on 23 February 2013, on the co-main event of UFC 157.{{cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2012/11/dan-henderson-vs-lyoto-machida-headed-to-feb-23-ufc-card-in-anaheim |title=Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida headed to UFC 157 in Anaheim |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=21 November 2012|author=Matt Erickson|access-date=February 18, 2022}} The winner of the fight was expected to get a title shot. Machida defeated Henderson via split decision, but ultimately Alexander Gustafsson was given the title shot against Jon Jones.{{cite news|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-157-results-lyoto-machida-edges-split-decision-over-henderson-is-jon-jones-next|title=UFC 157 results: Lyoto Machida edges split decision over Henderson; is Jon Jones next?|date=February 24, 2013|publisher=mmaweekly.com|author=Andrew Potter|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos }}

Machida returned to his native Brazil to face Phil Davis on 3 August 2013, at UFC 163.{{cite web|url=http://portaldovaletudo.com.br/br/noticias/item/4848-lyoto-machida-encara-phil-davis-no-ufc-rio-4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615210058/http://portaldovaletudo.com.br/br/noticias/item/4848-lyoto-machida-encara-phil-davis-no-ufc-rio-4|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|title=Lyoto Machida encara Phil Davis no UFC Rio 4 (Brazilian Portuguese)|publisher=portaldovaletudo.com.br|date=3 June 2013|access-date=3 June 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/phil-davis-vs-lyoto-machida-slated-for-ufc-163-in-rio|title=Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida Slated for UFC 163 in Rio |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=3 June 2013|access-date=3 June 2013}} Davis defeated Machida by unanimous decision. This caused controversy among many MMA fans.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/4/4587308/ufc-163-results-recap-phil-davis-vs-lyoto-machida-fight-review-and|title=UFC 163 results recap: Phil Davis vs Lyoto Machida fight review and analysis |publisher=mmamania.com|last=Hemminger|first=Brian|date=4 August 2013|access-date=4 August 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision.jsp?id=4380 |title=MMA Decisions - UFC 163 Aldo vs Korean Zombie |publisher=mmadecisions.com |date=5 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812190302/http://mmadecisions.com/decision.jsp?id=4380 |archive-date=12 August 2013 }} In one sample, 13 of 13 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Machida. ESPN scored it for Davis. Davis had takedowns near the end of rounds one and two, and landed a few punches on the ground, which formed his only significant offense in the fight. Many UFC affiliate bloggers also scored the fight 30–27 in favor of Machida.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/4/4587148/robbery-phil-davis-steals-a-win-from-hometown-hero-lyoto-machida |title=UFC 163 results: Dana White thinks Lyoto Machida 'definitely' defeated Phil Davis in Rio |website=MMAmania.com |date=4 August 2013 |access-date=3 February 2016}} UFC President Dana White stated shortly after the fight that he had Machida winning all three rounds,{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/danawhite/statuses/363874634749317120 |title=Dana White on Twitter: "Wow!!! I had Machida winning all 3 rds but that's what happens when u leave it up to the judges!" |publisher=Twitter |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=3 February 2016}} and later told Yahoo! Sports that "Machida definitely won" and "MMA judging sucks".{{cite web|last=Subhan |first=Abbey |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/lyoto-machida-says-positive-thinking-key-to-coping-with-difficult-loss |title=Lyoto Machida says 'positive thinking' key to coping with difficult loss |website=MMAjunkie |date=4 August 2013 |access-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027104811/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/lyoto-machida-says-positive-thinking-key-to-coping-with-difficult-loss |archive-date=27 October 2013 }} Fightmetric analysis shows that while Davis landed more total strikes, Machida landed the more significant strikes.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/4/4586936/ufc-163-results-lyoto-machida-vs-phil-davis-fight-metric-report|title=UFC 163 results: Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis Fight Metric report |publisher=mmamania.com |date= 4 August 2013}} ESPN released a similar analysis tracking each fighter's activity in each category, and reporting the 29–28 victory scored by the three judges at ringside.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/fightcenter?id=400445287 |title=Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis - UFC 163: Aldo vs. Korean Zombie - Fight Statistics - ESPN |website=Espn.go.com |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=3 February 2016}} After the loss but before his move to middleweight, Machida remained higher than Davis in the official UFC rankings.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/rankings|title=UFC Official Fighter Rankings |date=10 August 2013|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=10 August 2013}}

Dana White announced on 21 August 2013, during Fox Sports Live that Machida would be dropping down to the middleweight division. He was expected to face Tim Kennedy on 6 November 2013, on the main event of UFC: Fight for the Troops 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/lyoto-machida-drops-to-185-meets-tim-kennedy-at-ufc-fight-for-the-troops-3|title=Lyoto Machida drops to 185, meets Tim Kennedy at UFC Fight for the Troops 3|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=21 August 2013|access-date=21 August 2013}} However, Machida was pulled from the bout and was set to face his friend and training partner Mark Muñoz on 26 October 2013, at UFC Fight Night 30, replacing Muñoz's original opponent Michael Bisping, who was forced out of the bout with an eye injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/michael-bisping-out-at-ufc-fight-night-30-lyoto-machida-now-faces-mark-munoz|title=Michael Bisping out at UFC Fight Night 30, Lyoto Machida now faces Mark Munoz |publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=27 September 2013|access-date=27 September 2013}} Machida defeated Muñoz via head kick KO at the 3:10 mark of the first round, earning him his fourth Knockout of the Night award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-fight-night-30-results-lyoto-machida-vs-mark-munoz|title=UFC Fight Night 30 results: Lyoto Machida flattens Mark Munoz via head kick|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|last=Stupp|first=Dann|date=26 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-fight-night-30-bonuses|title=UFC Fight Night 30 bonuses: Machida, Musoke, Barnatt and Craig earn $50k awards|date=26 October 2013|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=26 October 2013}} Machida was praised for demonstrating class and sportsmanship by not throwing any additional punches to the grounded Muñoz after knocking him down before the referee stopped the fight. He became a free agent after the bout, and after entertaining offers from various promotions he re-signed with the UFC.{{cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/ufcnews/lyoto-machida-back-under-ufc-contract-with-signing-of-new-deal/|title=Lyoto Machida Back Under UFC Contract With Signing Of New Deal|date=November 4, 2013|publisher=bjpenn.com}}

In his second bout in the middleweight division, Machida returned to Brazil and faced former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi in the main event of UFC Fight Night 36 on 15 February 2014.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/lyoto-machida-vs-gegard-mousasi-225519731--mma.html|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi Expected to Headline UFC Fight Card in Brazil|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=1 November 2013|author=Erik Fontanez|date=November 2013 }} Machida won the fight via unanimous decision after five rounds, also earning his second Fight of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/02/ufc-fight-night-36-bonuses-silva-oliveira-earn-first-performance-bonuses/|title=UFC Fight Night 36 bonuses: Silva, Oliveira earn first 'performance' bonuses|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=16 February 2014|date=16 February 2014}}

Machida was then expected to get a title shot against the winner of the UFC 173 fight between UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort. However, after Belfort withdrew from the bout on 28 February 2014, it was announced that Machida would replace him in the main event UFC 173 on 24 May 2014.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/02/vitor-belfort-out-of-ufc-173-title-fight-chris-weidman-now-meets-lyoto-machida/|title=Vitor Belfort out of UFC 173 title fight, Chris Weidman now meets Lyoto Machida |publisher=MMAjunkie |last=Erickson |first=Matt |date=28 February 2014 |access-date=28 February 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/02/chris-weidman-vs-vitor-belfort-title-fight-slated-for-ufc-173-in-may/|title=Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort title fight slated for UFC 173 in May|publisher=mmajunkie.com|last=Stupp|first=Dann|access-date=1 February 2014|date=1 February 2014}} On 24 March 2014, it was revealed that Weidman would need to undergo knee surgery.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-173-update-weidman/|title=Weidman out of UFC 173 with injury |publisher=UFC.com |access-date=24 March 2014}} The title fight with Weidman was rescheduled and eventually took place at UFC 175 on 5 July 2014.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2014/03/injury-moves-chris-weidman-lyoto-machida-title-fight-from-ufc-173-to-ufc-175|title=Injury moves Chris Weidman-Lyoto Machida title fight from UFC 173 to UFC 175|date=March 24, 2014|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson}} Machida lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/11180967/ufc-175-main-event-chris-weidman-outlasts-lyoto-machida-defend-title|title=Weidman outlasts Machida, now 12-0|date=July 7, 2014|work=ESPN|author=Brett Okamoto}} After Weidman had controlled much of the action throughout the first three rounds with his wrestling and relentless pressure, Machida began to find his range on his strikes in the fourth. Machida landed a number of hard strikes in the round including a left hook which stunned Weidman at the very end of the round. Machida would continue to find success striking early in the fifth as well. However, Weidman would land several hard shots of his own later in the round before seemingly clinching the round with a takedown and controlling Machida from top position for over a minute, although Machida managed to stand up and attack with a flurry of strikes in the closing seconds of the fight. Despite losing on the scorecards, Machida earned his third Fight of the Night bonus award for his performance.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/ufc-175-bonuses-weidman-machida-rousey-font-get-50000|title=UFC 175 bonuses: Weidman, Machida, Rousey, Font get $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|last=Erickson|first=Matt|access-date=6 July 2014|date=6 July 2014}}

Machida next faced C. B. Dollaway on 20 December 2014 at UFC Fight Night 58.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/c-b-dollaway-vs-lyoto-machida-set-for-ufc-fight-night-58-in-brazil|title=C.B. Dollaway vs. Lyoto Machida set for UFC Fight Night 58 in Brazil|last=Erickson|first=Matt|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=17 September 2014|date=17 September 2014}} Machida won the fight via TKO only 62 seconds into the first round after landing a body kick that dropped Dollaway, finishing him with a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Lyoto-Machida-Body-Kick-ShortCircuits-CB-Dollaway-in-UFC-Fight-Night-Main-Event-79027|title=Lyoto Machida body kick short-circuits C.B. Dollaway in UFC Fight Night Main Event|last=Knapp|first=Brian|publisher=sherdog.com|access-date=20 December 2014|date=20 December 2014}} Machida also earned a Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ufc-fight-night-58-fighter-bonuses-no-fight-072730445--mma.html|title=UFC Fight Night 58 Fighter Bonuses: No Fight of the Night, but four performance winners|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=21 December 2014|date=21 December 2014}}

Machida faced Luke Rockhold on 18 April 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/1/8/7514783/lyoto-machida-vs-luke-rockhold-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-15|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold targeted for UFC on FOX 15|publisher=mmafighting.com|last=Helwani|first=Ariel|date=8 January 2015|access-date=8 January 2015}} He lost the fight via submission in the second round after being dominated on the ground by Rockhold throughout the whole of the fight.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-on-fox-15-results-luke-rockhold-submits-lyoto-machida-in-dominant-performance|title=UFC on FOX 15 results: Luke Rockhold submits Lyoto Machida in dominant performance|publisher=mmajunkie.com|last=Marrocco|first=Steven|date=18 April 2015|access-date=8 April 2015}}

Machida faced Yoel Romero on 27 June 2015, at UFC Fight Night 70.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/5/15/8610043/lyoto-machida-vs-yoel-romero-set-as-new-main-event-for-tuf-brazil-4|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Yoel Romero set as new main event for TUF Brazil: 4 Finale in Miami|publisher=mmafighting.com|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|access-date=15 May 2015|date=15 May 2015}} After a fairly competitive first two rounds, Machida lost the fight via knockout in the third round.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/6/28/8858239/ufc-fight-night-70-results-yoel-romero-lyoto-machida-knockout-elbows-middleweight-florida|title=UFC Fight Night 70 results: Yoel Romero turns Lyoto Machida inside-out with murderous elbows|publisher=mmamania.com|last=Myers|first=Thomas|access-date=28 June 2015|date=28 June 2015}}

A rematch with Dan Henderson was expected to take place on 16 April 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/1/31/10880308/dan-henderson-lyoto-machida-verbally-agree-to-ufc-on-fox-19-matchup-ufc-mma|title=Dan Henderson, Lyoto Machida verbally agree to rematch at UFC on FOX 19|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Hunter A. Homistek|date=31 January 2016|access-date=31 January 2016}} However, on 13 April, the UFC announced that Machida declared the usage of a banned substance – 7-Keto-DHEA – during an out-of-competition sample collection the week prior. Machida stated that he was unaware that the substance was prohibited both in and out of competition. Therefore, he was removed from the bout and Henderson was re-booked for another event at a later date.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/lyoto-machida-admits-use-of-banned-substance-fight-with-dan-henderson-scrapped-at-ufc-on-fox-19|title=Machida admits use of banned substance, UFC on FOX 19 fight with Henderson scrapped|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=13 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2016}} Machida was ultimately suspended for 18 months by USADA, becoming eligible to return on 8 October 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/11/16/13654548/lyoto-machida-suspended-18-months-by-usada-for-ufc-anti-doping|title=Lyoto Machida suspended 18 months by USADA|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|date=16 November 2016|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=6 February 2017}}

On 13 August 2016, Machida faced former Strikeforce middleweight champion and UFC welterweight contender, Jake Shields, in a grappling only benefit event called Submit Cancer. After gaining top control, Shields submitted the much larger Machida by inside heel hook with just 30 seconds left in the match.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/8/14/12472524/bjj-news-marcus-almeida-jake-shields-gordon-ryan-score-big-wins-on-saturday|title = Almeida, Shields and Ryan scored big wins Saturday|date = 14 August 2016}}

In his first fight after returning from his suspension, Machida faced Derek Brunson on 28 October 2017 at UFC Fight Night 119.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/lyoto-machida-derek-brunson-ufc-fight-night-119-sao-paulo-brazil|title=Lyoto Machida returns, meets Derek Brunson at UFC Fight Night 119 in Sao Paulo|author=Staff|date=17 August 2017|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=17 August 2017}} He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/10/ufc-fight-night-119-results-derek-brunson-thrashes-lyoto-machida-for-first-round-ko|title=UFC Fight Night 119 results: Derek Brunson thrashes Lyoto Machida for first-round KO|date=29 October 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=29 October 2017|language=en-US}}

Machida faced Eryk Anders on 3 February 2018 at UFC Fight Night 125.{{Cite news|url=https://mma-today.com/mma-today-exclusive-machida-battlesanders-ufc-belem-headliner|title=Lyoto Machida battles rising-star Eryk Anders in UFC Belem headliner|last=Freedman|first=Max|date=14 December 2017|work=mma-today|access-date=14 December 2017}} He won the fight via split decision, snapping his 3-fight losing streak.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/ufc-fight-night-125-results-lyoto-machida-split-decision-eryk-anders-asks-michael-bisping|title=UFC Fight Night 125 results: Lyoto Machida digs deep for split vs. Eryk Anders, asks for Michael Bisping|date=4 February 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=4 February 2018|language=en-US}}

Machida faced Vitor Belfort on 12 May 2018 at UFC 224.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/22481883/brazilians-vitor-belfort-lyoto-machida-meet-ufc-224-rio|title=Vitor Belfort-Lyoto Machida match slated for UFC 224 in Rio|website=espn.com|last=Okamoto|first=Brett|date=17 February 2018|access-date=17 February 2018}} He won the fight via knock-out in the second round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/ufc-224-results-lyoto-machida-front-kick-flattens-retiring-vitor-belfort-in-second|title=UFC 224 results: Lyoto Machida front kick flattens retiring Vitor Belfort in second|date=13 May 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=13 May 2018|language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/ufc-224-bonuses-lyoto-machidas-sick-head-kick-ko-of-belfort-gets-50000|title=UFC 224 bonuses: Lyoto Machida's sick head-kick KO of Belfort gets $50,000|date=13 May 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=13 May 2018|language=en-US}}

On 22 June 2018, it was reported that Machida signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2018/6/22/17494522/lyoto-machida-to-sign-with-bellator?|title=Lyoto Machida Signs With Bellator|date=22 June 2018 }} On 12 September, it was announced that Machida is set to make his promotional debut against former Bellator Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho in the co-headliner of Bellator 213.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/9/12/17851450/lyoto-machida-debuts-former-champion-rafael-carvalho-bellator-hawaii|title=Lyoto Machida Debuts Against Former Champion Rafael Carvalho at Bellator Hawaii|work=mmafighting.com|date=12 September 2018 }} On weigh-in day, Carvalho missed weight, weighing in at 186.5 pounds, over the non-title Middleweight limit of 186.0 pounds. Carvalho was fined 20% of his purse and the fight proceeded as a Catchweight bout. Machida went on to defeat Carvalho by split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/12/15/18141232/bellator-213-results-macfarlane-vs-letourneau|title=Bellator 213 Results: Macfarlane vs Létourneau|work=mmafighting.com|date=15 December 2018}}

On 4 April 2019, it was announced that Machida would be facing Chael Sonnen in a light heavyweight bout at Bellator 222 on 14 June 2019 at Madison Square Garden.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26435949/sonnen-machida-set-msg-june|title=Sources: Sonnen-Machida set for MSG in June|work=espn.com|date=3 April 2019}} He won the fight via TKO in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/15/18679953/video-lyoto-machida-stops-sonnen-with-flying-knee-at-bellator-222-chael-retires|title=Video: Lyoto Machida stops Sonnen with flying knee at Bellator 222, Chael retires|last=Tabuena|first=Anton|date=2019-06-15|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2019-06-15|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920162242/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/15/18679953/video-lyoto-machida-stops-sonnen-with-flying-knee-at-bellator-222-chael-retires|url-status=dead}}

Machida rematched prior UFC opponent Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 228 on 28 September 2019.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/07/bellator-228-lyoto-machida-vs-gegard-mousasi-rematch-booked/amp|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi rematch booked for Bellator 228 in September|work=MMA Junkie.com|date=11 July 2019|access-date=11 July 2019}} He lost the bout via split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-228-results-patricio-pitbull-vs-juan-archuleta-live-updates-fight-card-highlights/amp/|title=Bellator 228 results -- Patricio Pitbull vs. Juan Archuleta: Live updates, fight card, highlights|date=28 September 2019}}

Machida headlined Bellator 245 in a rematch against Phil Davis on September 11, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/lyoto-machida-phil-davis-2-juan-archuleta-vs-patchy-mix-title-fight-bellator|title=Davis-Machida 2, Archuleta-Mix title fight lead back-to-back Bellator shows Sept. 11-12|date=August 19, 2020|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} He lost the fight by split decision.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/bellator-245-highlights-relive-the-action-as-phil-davis-edges-lyoto-machida-in-rematch|title=Bellator 245 highlights: Relive the action as Phil Davis edges Lyoto Machida in rematch|date=September 12, 2020|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=Simon Head}}

On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Machida would be participating in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix. He faced Ryan Bader in the quarterfinal round. This was a rematch of their August 2012 bout, which saw Machida win via second round knockout. The bout took place at Bellator 256 on April 9, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-set-for-showtime-debut-in-april-as-star-studded-light-heavyweight-world-grand-prix-headlines-slate/amp/|title=Bellator set for Showtime debut in April as star-studded Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix headlines slate|author=Brent Brookhouse|work=CBS Sports|date=February 9, 2021|accessdate=February 9, 2021}} In the first round Machida had success with his kicks, outstriking Bader, but would soon be dominated for the next four rounds by Bader's wrestling and ground and pound, losing the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/4/9/22376629/bellator-256-results-ryan-bader-extracts-revenge-lyoto-machida-advances-light-heavyweight-grand-prix|title=Bellator 256 results: Ryan Bader gets revenge on Lyoto Machida, advances in light heavyweight grand prix|date=April 9, 2021|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck}}

Returning to Middleweight in the last fight of his prevailing contract, Machida faced Fabian Edwards on May 13, 2022 at Bellator 281.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-16|title=Lyoto Machida vs. Fabian Edwards joins Bellator London lineup on May 13|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/bellator-london-lyoto-machida-vs-fabian-edwards-booked-may-13|access-date=2022-02-16|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/2/2/22912659/lyoto-machida-targets-john-salter-final-fight-bellator-deal-test-free-agency-mma|title=Lyoto Machida planning to test free agency after next Bellator fight: 'The fire is still burning inside me'|date=February 2, 2022|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz}} He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2022-05-13|title=Bellator 281: Fabian Edwards Spoils Lyoto Machida's Middleweight Return, Secures KO Win|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/05/13/bellator-281-fabian-edwards-vs-lyoto-machida/|access-date=2022-05-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Machida uses a unique,{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/05/01/ufc-129-morning-after-the-unique-talent-of-lyoto-machida/ |title=UFC 129 Morning After: The Unique Talent of Lyoto Machida |last=Smith |first=Michael David |publisher=MMAFighting.com |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=5 July 2011}} unorthodox style in MMA that combines elements from his diverse training background. His style is based mainly on tactics using Shotokan karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but also integrates techniques from wrestling and sumo,{{cite web |last=Rios |first=Tomas |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/4/Feuds-Beards-amp-Cameroon-Rule-UFC-79-10564 |title=Feuds, Beards & Cameroon Rule UFC 79 |work=Sherdog.com |date=28 December 2007 |access-date=13 February 2009}} which Machida says makes him "fully prepared for any situation" in the Octagon. Often described as "elusive," Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes.{{cite news |url=http://mmaweekly.com/lyoto-machida-vs-thiago-silva-at-ufc-89-2 |title=Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva at UFC 89 |date=16 July 2008 |work=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=13 February 2009}}{{cite news |last=Yu |first=Al |url=http://mmaweekly.com/a-word-from-the-asian-sensation-18 |title=A Word From the Asian Sensation |date=27 March 2008 |work=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=13 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Rios |first=Tomas |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/ufc-84-animal-kingdom-starring-sharks-dragons-andsporting-goods-12881 |title=UFC 84: Animal Kingdom, Starring Sharks, Dragons and...Sporting Goods? |date=24 May 2008 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}} Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fans, fighters, and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways.{{cite web |last=Hamlin |first=Tom |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=8111&zoneid=3 |title=Lyoto Machida Finally 'Arrives' at the UFC |date=3 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221134636/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=8111&zoneid=3 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Sariahmed |first=Lotfi |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Fun-and-Games-Part-of-the-Plan-for-King-Mo-15787 |title=Fun and Games Part of the Plan for 'King Mo' |date=16 January 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Strupp |first=Dan |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13273/rich-franklin-open-to-rematch-with-lyoto-machida-tuf-coaching-gig.mma |title=Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig |date=17 November 2008 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}} At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is sometimes deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch.{{cite web |last=Rossen |first=Jake |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/UFC-94-Cast-15949 |title=UFC 94-Cast |date=27 January 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Alonso |first=Marcelo |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/machida-ill-bring-him-into-my-game-17459 |title=Machida: 'I'll Bring Him into My Game' |date=14 May 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=14 May 2009}} Machida has drawn fire from fans,{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13882/quinton-jackson-to-determine-lyoto-machidas-championship-fate.mma |title=Quinton Jackson to determine Lyoto Machida's championship fate |date=1 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=9 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Breen |first=Jordan |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/UFC-94-Analysis-On-Prominence-and-Possibility-16017 |title=UFC 94 Analysis: On Prominence and Possibility |date=1 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}} and criticism from MMA commentators{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/4417/ufc-84-recap-penn-defends-silva-demolishes-and-machida-ruins-ortizs-farewell-fight.mma |title=UFC 84 recap: Penn defends, Silva demolishes, Ortiz frustrated |date=25 May 2008 |work=MMAJunkiecom |access-date=13 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Leidecker |first=Tim |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/someone-has-to-lose-in-battle-of-brazil-15948 |title=Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil' |date=27 January 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=13 February 2009}} for his limited aggression and many decision victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don't like it, sorry. I always try to win."{{cite web |last=Zeidler |first=Benjamin |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/12/4/680234/bloody-elbow-exclusive-lyo |title=Bloody Elbow Exclusive: Lyoto Machida Talks Challengers, Title Shot |date=4 December 2008 |work=BloodyElbow.com |access-date=13 February 2009}} He also stated that he believes fans are coming to appreciate the efficiency of his style just like they came to appreciate Royce Gracie's jiu-jitsu.

Machida defied expectations at UFC 94,{{cite web |last=Hunt |first=Loretta |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/st-pierre-earns-400k-for-penn-pummeling-16024 |title=St. Pierre Earns $400K for Penn Pummeling |date=2 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=3 February 2009}} where he earned Knockout of the Night honors for his first-round stoppage of then-undefeated Thiago Silva. Machida noted that he started to include weight training in his preparation for the bout. Commentators hailed the knockout as a step in the right direction toward building interest in him as a potential champion. In addition, Machida showcased his improved English during interviews for the event, which gave him the ability to connect with fans more easily.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/ufc-94-winners-and-losers-16031 |title=UFC 94 Winners and Losers |last=Thomas |first=Luke |date=3 February 2009 |work=Sherdog.com |access-date=3 February 2009}} Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Chris |url=https://vancouversun.com/Sports/Lyoto+Machida+crunch+time+Karate/1239058/story.html |title=Lyoto Machida: It's crunch time for UFC's Karate Kid |work=VancouverSun.com.com |date=31 January 2009 |access-date=9 February 2009}}{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/4391/lyoto-machida-could-make-big-name.mma |title=Lyoto Machida could make big name |work=MMAJunkie.com.com |date=21 May 2009 |access-date=12 February 2009 |archive-date=26 May 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526085137/http://mmajunkie.com/news/4391/lyoto-machida-could-make-big-name.mma |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last=Sloan |first=Mike |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/new-years-reverie-finally-10659 |title=New Year's Reverie: Finally! |work=Sherdog.com.com |date=2 January 2008 |access-date=12 February 2009}} After knocking out Rashad Evans at UFC 98, in the post fight interview with Joe Rogan, Machida announced to his fans, "Karate is back! Machida Karate!" Many fans have referred to his style as "Machida Karate" since then.

In an issue of MMA Unltd magazine, Machida once again mentioned the phrase "Machida Karate", claiming that it was based on a very traditional form which is very different from modern sports karate. He also said that the karate seen nowadays has lost many techniques over the years in which it was practiced, and that his style was one of the very few that still kept those techniques. "My style is Machida Karate and it is a very traditional form", he said, "It differs from sports karate which we usually see in karate schools and competitions as it has many elements which were lost in the style including the use of knees, elbows, takedowns and even some submissions". Machida is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Walter Broca.

During his fight with Ryan Bader, Joe Rogan mentioned that Machida's karate style meant his fighting distance and range is at least a foot farther than a typical boxer or Muay Thai fighter. Machida controls the range and avoids being hit or rushed effectively, but does so in a way that is different from Anderson Silva (who controls range through a variety of strikes and kicks) and Jon Jones (who controls range using his reach). Like Silva though, Machida changes stance from southpaw to orthodox frequently, with minimal drop-off in efficiency. While his kicks do not seem to land with as much power because he does not step into his kicks, they have quicker release with no tells, so they are difficult to anticipate and counter.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgFy2maWWew&t=2m38s | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212191904/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgFy2maWWew&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2014-12-12 | url-status=dead|title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |access-date=3 February 2016}} Despite this purported lack of power, Machida's combination of accuracy, traditional kicking style, and frequent hip and eye feints have allowed him to finish several fights with his kicks, as he did against Randy Couture, Mark Muñoz, C. B. Dollaway, and Vitor Belfort.{{cite web|last1=Slack|first1=Jack|title=Jack Slack: Angles and Feints with Lyoto Machida|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/jack-slack-angles-and-feints-with-lyoto-machida|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140427044619/http://fightland.vice.com/blog/jack-slack-angles-and-feints-with-lyoto-machida|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 April 2014}}

Machida's wife is named Fabyola,{{cite web |first=Denis |last=Martins |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=12847 |title=Machida Focused on Fighting, Not Feuds |work=Sherdog.com |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=3 February 2009}} and they have two sons. They reside in Palos Verdes Estates, California.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-02 |title=Former UFC champ Lyoto Machida embraces hometown return |url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2018/02/02/former-ufc-champ-lyoto-machida-embraces-hometown-return/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Daily Breeze |language=en-US}}

Lyoto's older brother Chinzô is also a Shotokan karate champion and MMA fighter, who previously competed in Bellator MMA.{{cite web |author=Guillherme Cruz |date=June 24, 2017 |title=Chinzo Machida fights to promote Machida Karate, but don't sleep on him as a title contender |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/6/24/15821384/chinzo-machida-fights-promote-machida-karate-dont-sleep-on-him-title-contender-bellator |access-date=August 28, 2020 |work=MMAFighting.com}} Lyoto and Chinzô fought in a karate tournament final over ten years ago in which Lyoto gave Chinzô a cheek scar that still exists today.{{cite web |title=Lyoto Machida |url=http://www.usadojo.com/biographies/mma/lyoto-machida.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114235/http://www.usadojo.com/biographies/mma/lyoto-machida.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=3 February 2016 |website=Usadojo.com}} His other brothers include Kenzo Machida, a TV journalist for one of Brazil's biggest TV stations, and Take Machida.

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
• One successful title defense vs. Maurício Rua
• Knockout of the Night (Four times) vs. Thiago Silva, Rashad Evans, Randy Couture and Mark Muñoz{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/St-Pierre-Earns-36400K-for-Penn-Pummeling-16024|title=UFC 94 bonuses and payouts|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2 February 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Machida-Evans-Earn-36200000-at-UFC-98-17633|title=UFC 98 bonuses and payouts|publisher=sherdog.com|date=26 May 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-129-Bonuses-Aldo-Hominick-Machida-Garza-Bank-36129000-32008|title=UFC 129 bonuses: Aldo, Hominick, Machida, Garza bank $129,000|publisher=sherdog.com|date=30 April 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-30-Bonuses-Machida-Musoke-Barnatt-Craig-Earn-3650000-Each-58381|title=UFC Fight Night 30 bonuses: Machida, Musoke, Barnatt, Craig earn $50,000 each|publisher=sherdog.com|date=26 October 2013}}
• Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Jon Jones, Gegard Mousasi and Chris Weidman{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-140-Bonuses-Jones-Machida-Mir-Zombie-Net-3675K-Apiece-37977|title=UFC 140 bonuses: Jones, Machida, Mir, 'Zombie' net $75K apiece|publisher=sherdog.com|date=11 December 2011}}
• Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. C.B. Dollaway and Vitor Belfort
• Highest takedown accuracy percentage in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (65.0%)
• Tied (Carlos Ulberg) for the third longest win streak in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (8){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=MW|title=UFC Stats - All Fighters|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2025-03-22}}
• Fourth most knockdowns landed in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (11)
• UFC.com Awards
• 2009: Half-Year Awards: Best Knockout of the 1HY {{small|vs. Rashad Evans}},{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-half-year-ufc-awards-knockouts|title=The Highly Unofficial Half-Year UFC Awards - The Knockouts of 2009|date=July 17, 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #2 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Rashad Evans}},{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-knockouts-2009|title=Ten Best – The Knockouts of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 20, 2009|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #2 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fighters-2009|title=Ten Best – The Fighters of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 22, 2009|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #9 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Maurício Rua}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2009|title=Ten Best – The Fights of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 21, 2009|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2011: Ranked #6 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Randy Couture}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-knockout-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Knockout of the Year|date=January 6, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2013: Ranked #9 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Mark Munoz}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-knockouts-2013|title=Ten Best: The Knockouts of 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=January 3, 2014|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2018: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Vitor Belfort}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/biggest-knockouts-2018|title=The Biggest Knockouts of 2018|date=January 4, 2019|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Sherdog Awards
• 2011 Knockout of the Year vs. Randy Couture{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogcoms-2011-Knockout-of-the-Year-38925|title=Sherdog.com's 2011 Knockout of the Year|date=January 9, 2012|work=Sherdog|author=Chris Nelson}}
• Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Todd |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/9/Imagining-an-MMA-Hall-of-Fame-Best-of-the-Rest-71501 |title=Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Best of the Rest - Lyoto Machida |website=Sherdog.com |date=4 August 2014 |access-date=3 February 2016}}
• Black Belt Magazine
• 2009 Fighter of the Year
• MMA Torch.com
• 2014 Fight of the Year vs. Chris Weidman at UFC 175{{cite web|url=http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/penickstake/article_24388.shtml#.VKNg-md0zIU |title=Penick's 2014 Year-End MMA Awards: Fight of the Year |website=Mmatorch.com |date=30 December 2014 |access-date=3 February 2016}}
• Fight Matrix
• 2014 Most Noteworthy Match of the Year vs. Chris Weidman on 5 July 2014{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/2014/12/29/2014-awards-most-noteworthy-match-of-the-year/ |title=2014 Awards: Most Noteworthy Match of the Year |date=29 December 2014 |publisher=Fight Matrix |access-date=3 February 2016}}
• MMAJunkie.com
• 2014 July Fight of the Month vs. Chris Weidman{{cite web|last=Subhan |first=Abbey |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-month-for-july-2014 |title=MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for July 2014 |website=MMAjunkie.com |date=3 August 2014 |access-date=3 February 2016}}
• 2018 May Knockout of the Month vs. Vitor Belfort{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/05/mmajunkie-knockout-of-the-month-may-2018-lyoto-machida-front-kick-vitor-belfort-ufc-224-mma|title=MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for May: A déjà vu front kick|date=May 29, 2018|work=MMAjunkie.com}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 11

| ko-losses= 4

| sub-wins= 2

| sub-losses= 2

| dec-wins= 13

| dec-losses= 6

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|26–12

|Fabian Edwards

|KO (elbow and punches)

|Bellator 281

|{{dts|2022|May|13|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:18

|London, England

|{{small|Return to Middleweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|26–11

|Ryan Bader

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 256

|{{dts|2021|April|09|format=dmy}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|{{small|Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|26–10

|Phil Davis

|Decision (split)

|Bellator 245

|{{dts|2020|September|11|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|{{small|Return to Light Heavyweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|26–9

|Gegard Mousasi

|Decision (split)

|Bellator 228

|{{dts|2019|September|28|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Inglewood, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|26–8

|Chael Sonnen

|TKO (flying knee and punches)

|Bellator 222

|{{dts|2019|June|14|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:22

|New York City, New York, United States

| {{small|Light Heavyweight bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|25–8

|Rafael Carvalho

|Decision (split)

|Bellator 213

|{{dts|2018|December|15|format=dmy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (186.5 lb) bout; Carvalho missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|24–8

|Vitor Belfort

|KO (front kick)

|UFC 224

|{{dts|2018|May|12|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|23–8

|Eryk Anders

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders

|{{dts|2018|February|3|format=dmy}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Belém, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–8

|Derek Brunson

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida

|{{dts|2017|October|28|format=dmy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:30

|São Paulo, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 22–7

|Yoel Romero

|KO (elbows)

|UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Romero

|{{dts|2015|June|27|format=dmy}}

|align=center| 3

|align=center| 1:38

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–6

|Luke Rockhold

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold

|{{dts|2015|April|18|format=dmy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:31

|Newark, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–5

| C. B. Dollaway

|TKO (body kick and punches)

| UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway

| {{dts|2014|December|20|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:02

| Barueri, Brazil

| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 21–5

| Chris Weidman

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 175

| {{dts|2014|July|5|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Middleweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–4

| Gegard Mousasi

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi

| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|February|15}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–4

| Mark Muñoz

| KO (head kick)

| UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Muñoz

| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|October|26}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:10

| Manchester, England

| {{small|Middleweight debut. Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 19–4

| Phil Davis

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 163

| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|August|3}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–3

| Dan Henderson

| Decision (split)

| UFC 157

| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|February|23}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Anaheim, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–3

| Ryan Bader

| KO (punches)

| UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera

| {{dts|format=dmy|2012|August|4}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:32

| Los Angeles, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 17–3

| Jon Jones

| Technical Submission (guillotine choke)

| UFC 140

| {{dts|2011|December|10|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:26

| Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| |{{small|For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–2

| Randy Couture

| KO (front kick)

| UFC 129

| {{dts|2011|April|30|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:05

| Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–2

| Quinton Jackson

| Decision (split)

| UFC 123

| {{dts|2010|November|20|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–1

| Maurício Rua

| KO (punches)

| UFC 113

| {{dts|2010|May|8|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:35

| Montreal, Quebec, Canada

| {{small|Lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–0

| Maurício Rua

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 104

| {{dts|2009|October|24|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Los Angeles, California, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–0

| Rashad Evans

| KO (punches)

| UFC 98

| {{dts|2009|May|23|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:57

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–0

| Thiago Silva

| KO (punches)

| UFC 94

| {{dts|2009|January|31|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:59

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–0

| Tito Ortiz

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 84

| {{dts|2008|May|24|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–0

| Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| UFC 79

| {{dts|2007|December|29|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:20

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–0

| Kazuhiro Nakamura

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 76

| {{dts|2007|September|22|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Anaheim, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–0

| David Heath

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 70

| {{dts|2007|April|21|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Manchester, England

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–0

| Sam Hoger

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 67

| {{dts|2007|February|3|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–0

| Vernon White

| Decision (unanimous)

| WFA: King of the Streets

| {{dts|2006|July|22|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Los Angeles, California, United States

| {{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0

| Dimitri Wanderley

| TKO (exhaustion)

| Jungle Fight 6

| {{dts|2006|April|29|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:24

| Manaus, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–0

| B.J. Penn

| Decision (unanimous)

| Hero's 1

| {{dts|2005|March|26|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|Openweight bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Sam Greco

| Decision (split)

| K-1 MMA ROMANEX

| {{dts|2004|May|22|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Michael McDonald

| Submission (forearm choke)

| K-1 Beast 2004 in Niigata

| {{dts|2004|March|14|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:30

| Niigata, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Rich Franklin

| TKO (head kick and punches)

| Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003

| {{dts|2003|December|31|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:00

| Kobe, Japan

| {{small|Catchweight (214 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Stephan Bonnar

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| Jungle Fight 1

| {{dts|2003|September|13|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:21

| Manaus, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Kengo Watanabe

| Decision (unanimous)

| NJPW Ultimate Crush

| {{dts|2003|May|2|format=dmy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist}}

• {{Bellator|1666}}
• {{Sherdog|7513}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach|ach}}

{{s-bef|before=Rashad Evans}}

{{s-ttl|title=10th UFC Light Heavyweight Champion|years=23 May 2009 – 8 May 2010}}

{{s-aft|after=Maurício Rua}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Light Heavyweight Championship}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Machida, Lyoto}}

Category:Living people

Category:1978 births

Category:Brazilian people of Japanese descent

Category:Sportspeople of Japanese descent

Category:Brazilian people of Portuguese descent

Category:Sportspeople of Portuguese descent

Category:Brazilian people of Italian descent

Category:Brazilian male mixed martial artists

Category:Brazilian sportspeople in doping cases

Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts

Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists

Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Japan

Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Brazilian male karateka

Category:Brazilian male Muay Thai practitioners

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Category:Brazilian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Brazilian sumo wrestlers

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Shotokan

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Jeet Kune Do

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Sumo

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

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Category:People from Palos Verdes, California

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:Bellator male fighters

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing