Lyoto Machida feels more prepared than ever entering fight against Jon Jones

Adversity is one of life’s great teachers. As infants we fall in order to learn how to stand back up; as children we learn the dangers of hot/sharp items by suffering minor burns/cuts. The same is true when it comes to Mixed Martial Arts, a fact former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida can attest to.

The 33-year old Brazilian spoke about how losing his title to Mauricio Rua at UFC 113 served as an educational tool in an extended preview for UFC 140, an event at which he’ll have a chance to reclaim the belt in a bout against dynamic divisional king Jon Jones.

Machida and Jones Face Off for First Time at UFC 140 Press Conference

“When I lost the belt it was difficult for me but I learned a lot,” Machida explained. “Now I feel more prepared to fight for the belt. I have learned to work better under pressure and channel it. It’s a lifetime of work preparing for this moment…I have even more will and desire to win this belt again. I want it more than ever.”

Machida also made it clear Jones’ meteoric ascension from newcomer to pound-for-pound threat doesn’t phase him, stating, “Jon’s rise in MMA doesn’t impress me. I had my moment in the UFC too. This is the toughest division in the UFC. Every fight is a test.”

In two weeks the world will see whether or not the lessons he’s learned over the past few years will pay off. Other match-ups on the December 10 card include Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Tito Ortiz and Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Check out the full UFC 140 preview below:

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC