D.P.

Nickname The Dragon
Height 6 ft 1 in
Weight 205 lb
Reach 74 in
Nationality Brazilian
Born May 30, 1978
Fighting out of Belém, Brazil
Team/Association Black House
Primary fighting style Shotokan Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sumo

Wins 14
By knockout 4
By submission 2
By decision 8
Losses 0
Draws 0


Early professional career

In college, Machida met Japanese pro wrestler and promoter Antonio Inoki. Seeing potential in Machida, Inoki took him as a protégé and billed him as an upcoming star. Machida continued training, taking up Muay Thai in Thailand and wrestling at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in Tokyo. Japanese media soon dubbed him "The Second Inoki". Machida made his MMA debut in Inoki's New Japan Pro Wrestling: Ultimate Crush on May 2, 2003, where he defeated journeyman Pancrase fighter Kengo Watanabe by decision. He looked more comfortable in his follow-up fight against future The Ultimate Fighter 1 runner-up Stephan Bonnar, whom he defeated by cut stoppage. In his third fight, he faced 12-0 UFC veteran Rich Franklin as an underdog at Inoki Bom-ba-ye 2003. Machida dominated the fight and landed a powerful combination that dropped Franklin to the mat, where Machida finished the fight with strikes early in the second round.

At 3-0, he began to fight in K-1's early MMA efforts, with wins against two high-ranked K-1 kickboxers, Michael McDonald and Sam Greco. In his last match with the K-1 organization, K-1 Hero's 1, he faced the former UFC welterweight champion B.J. Penn, who was considered to be one of the top pound-for-pound fighters at the time, but who came to the fight at a significant weight disadvantage. Machida landed the cleaner shots en route to a decision, but did not gain much recognition for the victory due to his inability to finish the smaller fighter.

After permanently splitting with Inoki's failing promotion in early 2006, Machida signed with a newly revitalized World Fighting Alliance and began to compete in the United States. In his American debut, Machida defeated Vernon White via unanimous decision at the WFA: King of the Streets event in Inglewood, California. After the WFA went out of business for the second time, the UFC acquired Machida's contract.

UFC career

Machida made his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 67 against Sam Hoger, winning by unanimous decision. He followed up with a main-card debut at UFC 76, winning a unanimous decision against David Heath. He next faced judo practitioner and Pride Fighting Championship veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura. Machida won another unanimous decision, and Nakamura would later test positive for marijuana.

At UFC 79, Machida faced the highly touted Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, a judo practitioner who was making his UFC debut after two quick upset victories over Pride veterans Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. He scored the first stoppage of his UFC career by submitting Sokoudjou in an arm triangle choke in the second round.

Machida's next fight was at UFC 84, facing former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in what would be Ortiz's final UFC appearance. Machida frustrated Ortiz with lateral movement and counterstriking while successfully defending against the former champion's takedowns. In the final seconds of the third round, Machida landed a flying knee to the body of Ortiz and knocked him to the mat. As Machida moved in to finish the fight, Ortiz almost locked in a triangle choke before transitioning to an armbar attempt. However, Machida managed to escape and win a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring 30-27 in his favor.

Machida was originally scheduled to fight fellow undefeated Brazilian Thiago Silva at UFC 89 in Birmingham England, however, a back injury sustained by Silva prevented the fight from taking place. The fight ultimately took place at UFC 94. After scoring several trips and knockdowns, Machida managed to knockout the grounded Silva in the final second of the first round. Machida's first UFC knockout earned Knockout of the Night honors and a $65,000 bonus.

Machida will next face champion Rashad Evans for the light heavyweight title at UFC 98. Machida will serve as a replacement for Quinton Jackson, who is due to have jaw surgery after the bout with Keith Jardine at UFC 96. Jackson will be the number one contender to face the winner of Machida versus Evans.

Fighting style and popularity

Machida uses a unique style that combines elements from his diverse training background. Often described as "elusive", Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes. Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fans, fighters, and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways. At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is sometimes deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch. Machida has drawn ire from fans, and criticism from MMA commentators for his limited aggression and stoppage victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don’t like it, sorry. I always try to win. For some that is boring, I know, but I am beating the best in the world."

Machida defied expectations at UFC 94, where he earned a Knockout of the Night honor for his first-round stoppage of then undefeated Thiago Silva. Commentators hailed the knockout as a step in the right direction toward building interest in him as a potential champion. In addition, Machida showcased his improved English skills during interviews for the event, giving him the ability to connect with fans more easily. Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.