The former light heavyweight champion Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida will be looking to bounce back from a TKO loss to Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua as he collides with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson on November 20th at UFC 123. Machida recognizes Rampage’s strength when it comes to boxing and wrestling, but is confident that he has the edge coming into this bout.
UFC 123 will take place at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Other main card bouts include the return of Karo ‘The Heat’ Parisyan who will face Dennis Hallman.
From Lyoto Machida:
“[Rampage] couldn’t be a better opponent and the date is great, too; it gives me time to prepare … I’m happy to be back and to prove I’m in the mix with the best of them. I’m working hard, I’m correcting a lot of things and putting a lot of effort in. I’m doing all aspects of fighting, the takedowns, ground fighting and striking … A fight between two former champions couldn’t be more fitting, two fighters who want their place in the sun. He’s a strong guy who has good boxing and wrestling. I feel he’s a bit limited standing, but he’s really strong and, although he may defend well on the ground, he’s not that good there, either … I’m going to exploit Rampage where he isn’t totally dominant. But I’m prepared for anything, whether it’s standing or on the ground.”
