Lyoto Machida Prepared For Anything At Bellator 281

Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida knows what to expect.

Anything.

Machida faces Fabian Edwards, the brother of Leon Edwards, at Bellator 281. The event takes place from London and airs live on Showtime.

For “The Dragon,” this is just another chance to cement his status as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

“I like to fight here. For me it’s a great opportunity, especially in the OVO Arena Wembley. I’m so grateful to be here. I want to enjoy the fight and the crowd and every moment that I will be in the cage,” Machida said. “I feel very good and very calm for this fight. I had a great camp. I know he’s going to be the favorite for the crowd, but what matters is the fight itself. It doesn’t matter what is going to happen outside the cage.”

Machida, now competing at middleweight, won the UFC light heavyweight title. His time in the UFC was highlighted by wars with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

“He [Fabian Edwards] is a well-rounded, dangerous fighter. He is number four in the rankings and has a good striking and ground game, but let’s see what’s going to happen,” Machida said. “The only thing I want to focus on is my game and what I have to do on Friday.

“I’m able to finish him, that’s why I’m here. Always when I step in the cage, I want to finish my opponent, that’s the main goal. I want to give my best and try to finish him.”