Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida returns to action after a USADA issued suspension to fight Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo.
The former champion's return fight is taking place in his home country and he is feeling the pressure leading into the bout.
“There is a lot of pressure, of course, because I’m going to fight in my country. But on the other hand, I have a lot of support. I can feel that through social media and through interviews that I’ve been doing. I can feel that I have a lot of support in Brazil. At the same time, a lot of pressure, but I have to handle that, just do my best and just keep my focus on what I have to do there,” Machida said to MMA Junkie Radio.
Machida hasn’t won a fight in almost three years, as his last win came over CB Dolloway in the main event of UFC Fight Night 58.
Despite not being in the Octagon for quite some time, Machida knows it won’t take him long to acclimate to his surroundings.
“I used this break to put some different tools, and I incorporated different techniques,” Machida said. “Improved a little bit more, evolved a little more my overall style, My karate and my standup fighting. But I know as soon as I step in the octagon, I’ll realize that I already did this before.”
UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo takes place on Saturday, October 28 from the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil with Lyoto Machida and Derek Brunson headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Fox Sports 1.
