UFC's Lyoto Machida Has Surgery, Delays Mauricio Rua Rematch

Fighters.com and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0) underwent surgery on his left hand Friday, according to MMA Junkie.

“The Dragon’s” manager, Ed Soares, stated that Machida is focused on a rematch with sixth-ranked “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4), but the fight will have to wait until the champion is healthy.

“He had surgery on his left hand,” Soares told MMA Junkie. “The doctor said it was a complete success.”

Soares went on to say that Machida will train in limited capacity until mid-January. He also added that Machida’s hand has been actually injured for a while. “Before the fight with ‘Shogun,’ he went to the doctor, and he went to a special surgeon in Brazil,” stated Soares. “Basically, they say said that he was going to need surgery, but he didn’t want to cancel the fight.”

The recent title championship bout between Machida and Rua ended in controversy at the hands of judges in Los Angeles. So much so that UFC President Dana White commented to the media that an immediate rematch was due. At this time, no date has been set for the two warriors to square off again.