Lyoto Machida Looking To Return In October, Eyes Luke Rockhold As Potential Opponent

Lyoto Machida 3

Earlier this month, former light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida came up short in his attempt to become the third man in history to win two UFC titles in different weight class when he was shutdown by Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 175.

But it looks like “The Dragon” has put that setback behind him and is ready for a new challenge inside the Octagon. Through his press office, Machida said he hopes to return around October and is looking at Luke Rockhold as a potential opponent:

“I had no injuries against Weidman, after the fight I went back training moderately. In September I’ll start working hard and in October I’ll be able to have a fight. It’s up to the UFC to choose my opponent. I would like to face Rockhold. He’s a former Strikeforce champion, I respect him a lot. I don’t dislike him, we get along well, but it’s a fight that makes sense for both of us and for the fans, once we have good ranking positions and think on the belt.”

While he may have come up short in his quest to become the middleweight champion, Machida isn’t planning on changing weight classes as there are plenty of other challenges which remain in the division.

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“I haven’t thought after my bout with Weidman about leaving the middleweight division, not for a second. I want to still test myself against top 10 guys. Beside Rockhold, there are other fighters that I want to face but they have fights scheduled.”

Rockhold is unbooked at the moment following his second straight win in the UFC over Tim Boetsch at UFC 172 but it’s doubtful he’ll wait it out till October for his next fight. However, you never know.

The former Strikeforce champ is desperate to avenge his loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 8, but with the “Phenom” getting booked to face Chris Weidman there’s not much chance of that.

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Will Rockhold be facing off wit the top-ranked Machida instead?