Lyoto Machida believes he can dethrone Jon Jones – UFC News
After turning down a fight against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones for UFC 152, number one contender Lyoto Machida claims he can defeat ‘Bones’ any day. Machida, who has faced Jones before, believes this time he will give it hard to the light heavyweight
champion. Although his loss last time to Jones clearly made a statement that he is not of the same calibre, Machida insists he has trained himself well and has gained enough experience to beat Jones this time.
“In the UFC, any guy who's lost to the same champion, what ends up happening is they have to kind of re-invent themselves,” said Machida, while clarifying the fact that he is a better fighter now.
“B.J. Penn had to do it. Rich Franklin had to do it. Chael Sonnen had to do it. In his heart, he believes he can beat Jon Jones. So, if he's gonna go and fight Jon Jones, he's not gonna leave any regrets. If he went in there and lost a second time and had
to re-invent himself, and, in his heart, he believed he could beat him, I think that's gonna be a thorn in his side for the rest of his life.”
It should be noted here that Jon Jones is in no mood to face Machida, as the champion believes the number one contender was his lowest draw for last year. According to Jones, Dan Henderson is a better opponent and the crowd loves him too.
Last month, when negotiations of a fight between Machida and Jones were on, Jones made it clear that he would not fight Machida, despite the fact that the latter is an outstanding mixed martial artists. Somehow, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship
brought Jones down to a deal but Machida refused.
Machida was offered to fight Jones at UFC 152 but he declined saying he would not fight the champion with just one month’s notice. According to Machida’s manager, the ‘Dragon’ needs at least a three month camp to prepare for a shot at Jones.
Now, Machida is hoping to get a shot at Jones soon, considering he is ready to dethrone the American.
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