Lyoto’s manager believes the fighter would be excited to know about the title shot – UFC News
Soon after Dana White made the painful decision of cancelling UFC 151, he announced confirmation of UFC 152 in Toronto, at which Lyoto Machida will challenge Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title.
However, Lyoto Machida still has no clue that he will be locking horns with one of the most explosive fighters in UFC. According to his manager Ed Soares in an interview to ESPN, Machida is not aware that he is the chosen one.
“Lyoto doesn't even know about (the title shot) yet. He's on the road to his family's farm (in Brazil), and I haven't been able to reach him all morning. I spoke to his brother, and (Lyoto is) on the highway and he has no cellphone reception,” he said.
“I'm excited about the title shot, but will be more excited when I have an answer from Lyoto. I have to speak to Lyoto first. It's a weird situation. I've never been in this situation before, just like the UFC has never been in this situation before. It's
crazy.”
“(The fight is) three weeks away, four weeks away. I still have to clear this with Lyoto,” he told ESPN.
On the other hand, Jones has expressed his displeasure in fighting Lyoto. According to Jones, Lyoto Machida’s last encounter with him was a failed attempt, not just in terms of putting up a good fight but also in terms of generating pay-per-view. Jones revealed
that his fight against Lyoto was his lowest payout for last year and so he does not want to fight him again.
Nevertheless, now, after UFC 151’s cancellation, it seems like Jones has no options left to go for. Since he already has declined a fight against Chael Sonnen for UFC 151, following Dan Henderson’s devastating leg injury, Jones has to settle down with Lyoto.
President of UFC Dana White is already furious over Jones for rejecting the fight against Sonnen, as that has put White in an awkward position. It was the first time ever that White had to cancel a fight card for good and so he is not in a mood to give Jones
the liberty of selecting his opponent for UFC 152.
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