Lyoto Machida: A New Chapter in Leadership
Lyoto Machida, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, is taking on a new role as a team manager for the Global Fight League (GFL) in its debut year. The GFL originally approached him to compete, but Machida opted to join the team in a leadership capacity, serving as the São Paulo team leader alongside coach Andre Pederneiras. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Machida explained his decision, emphasizing his interest in exploring the managerial side of the sport. "They invited me as an athlete, but I said, ‘No, I’m away for some time and I’d rather come in as a manager,’" Machida said. "I want to see how it goes, the changes on the organization. I saw the signings, a lot of people getting signed, but we want to see it happening. I believe it’s going to be a great league and it will help the sport."
A Fresh Perspective on the Sport
Machida’s decision to take on a managerial role is not a definitive end to his fighting career. While the 46-year-old veteran has been out of the octagon for a while, he remains open to the possibility of returning to the ring. "I came in as a manager, but I’m not taking away the possibility of fighting," Machida clarified. "I’m not saying I won’t fight again. It’s not like that. But it’s not a priority for me. It’s a new promotion, I want to see it happen, so I wanted to come in as a manager first to see how it works. I’ve never been on this side before." This stance reflects his willingness to adapt and explore new opportunities within the sport he loves, while still maintaining a level of readiness for any potential future challenges.
A Legacy of Greatness
Machida’s illustrious career in the UFC is a testament to his skill and determination. He has defeated some of the most notable names in the sport, including Rashad Evans, Tito Ortiz, Ryan Bader, Dan Henderson, Randy Couture, Gegard Mousasi, and Vitor Belfort, earning a record of 16-8. After leaving the UFC, he had a successful stint in Bellator, where he defeated Rafael Carvalho and Chael Sonnen before parting ways with the company following a string of losses from 2019 to 2022. Despite this, Machida remains a respected figure in the MMA community, and his transition into a leadership role is viewed as a valuable contribution to the GFL.
Training with a Purpose
While Machida is not actively training for a specific fight, he remains dedicated to his physical and mental fitness. "I train every single day. I’m not training like if I had a fight, of course, but I’m doing what I always did, training jiu-jitsu, striking, everything," he said. This level of commitment keeps him in top form and ensures that he is ready should the right opportunity present itself. His disciplined approach to training is a reflection of his long-term vision for his career and his willingness to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of MMA.
The Right Fight at the Right Time
Machida is clear about the conditions under which he would consider returning to the ring. "What would make me fight again is maybe a challenge, something that made sense for me," he said. "Someone from the same generation? OK, it could happen, but it can’t just be anything or any fight. You have to know your place and moment. This is not the time to fight a 25-, 30-year-old. Not that. It’s the moment to do the right fight, if it has to happen. But right now, it’s not a priority." His measured approach to potential future fights demonstrates a deep understanding of the sport and a respect for his own abilities and limitations.
A Promising Future for the GFL
The GFL roster is filled with veterans of the sport, including several of Machida’s former opponents such as Mousasi, Yoel Romero, Mauricio Rua, Chris Weidman, and Luke Rockhold. Machida sees the potential of the GFL to open new doors for fighters who may not have had the same opportunities in other organizations. "For example, ‘Dede’ [Pederneiras] has several athletes, who aren’t in the UFC, but have the skills to be there, so maybe another door opens," he said. As the GFL embarks on its inaugural season, Machida’s involvement as a team manager is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the league, potentially setting the stage for a bright future in the world of MMA.
