Coach: Lyoto Machida Will Knock Chris Weidman Out At UFC 175
Ray Longo made a bold statement last week when he said former light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida “had a really weak chin” and although his student, Machida’s upcoming opponent Chris Weidman, doesn’t agree with him the statement seems to have rattled “The Dragon’s” striking coach Rafael Cordeiro.
In a recent interview with MMAFighting.com, Cordeiro said it has to be a lie to say Machida has a weak chin as he has fought and beat bigger opponents than Weidman. He also thinks his student is going to knockout the “All-American”:
“You can’t say Lyoto has a weak chin. That’s a lie,” Cordeiro said. “Lyoto fought and defeated bigger guys. He’s a world-class striker. He has the experience and the talent, and I say he will knock Weidman out.
If Chris thinks he’s going there with that little hand and that he’ll simply take him down and lay and pray, he’s dead wrong. Lyoto will knock him out. When you fight the champion you have to dominate, leave no doubts.”
The two are set to battle it out this weekend in the main event of UFC 175 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Weidman will look for his second-straight title defence against another one of the greatest fighters on the planet. If he beats Machida he will go down in history as one of the greatest ever himself but Cordeiro doesn’t think it’s going to happen. He sees the champion running from the Brazilian.
“Absolutely. We will make him go for the takedown,” he said. “Lyoto is ready for this type of fight, and he has great counter attacks. I’m a coach for a long time, and I’ve seen great athletes in great fights, and I feel this is Lyoto’s moment.
I won’t underestimate Chris Weidman, but Mousasi is tougher than him. Mousasi is a brawler, and Lyoto fought five rounds standing against him. Lyoto will go straight forward, going for the knockout. Lyoto will knock Chris Weidman out.”
Cordeiro doesn’t seem to have any doubts about who will reign victorious on Saturday night. He’s only been coaching Machida since his drop down to middleweight and the renowned trainer says he’s better than he’s ever been.
“This is my third camp with Lyoto, and I’m impressed with him,” Cordeiro added. “He gave his life in training, has tons of experience, and he’s capable of absorbing what we teach and add to his game without changing his style. He has added more weapons to his game and he will use them against Weidman.
“It’s going to be an interesting fight. Lyoto will show that a new middleweight champion is coming.”
Do you agree with Cordeiro?
