Lyoto Machida Discusses His Successful Bellator Debut

MMAjunkie spoke to former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida after his successful Bellator MMA debut at Bellator 213 yesterday. Machida defeated Rafael Carvalho by split decision in the co-main event. Below are some highlights.

Machida on having a tough fight: “Tough opponent, tough fight. I believe because it was my first fight in Bellator, in the beginning, I was kind of lost. Even though I have a lot of fights under my belt, many years in the UFC and other events, Bellator is different. Every time you step in a different cage, you can feel the difference, and that’s what I felt at the beginning of the fight.”

Machida on how it was different: “Everything is different. The walkout is different. I see my picture behind me and everything. Amazing show, but I think it’s a natural process to get used to being here. My next fight will be better, for sure. Everything already sunk in.”

His thoughts on the decision score: “I was sure I won. The only thing that he did was he punched my face in the first round. After that punch, I didn’t feel anything.”

Lyoto Machida on being happy in Bellator: “I’m so happy to be here. No regrets at all. Man, the treatment, everything, the public, the crowd, I’m so happy to be here. Bellator, for me, is my new home definitely.”