Lyoto Machida says decision to ask for more money was a business one, is currently undergoing physiotherapy sessions

Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida has been speaking further about the reasons he had for asking for more money if he was to step up at short notice to take on Rashad Evans in three weeks time at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, explaining it was to cover the risk of a potential plummet down the rankings.
Speaking via Tatame Magazine, Machida said:

“UFC invited me for a bout with three weeks in advance and I said I wouldn’t take it since the beginning. I wasn’t prepared for it, it’d be against my own principles of professionalism, against what my family and team believe, and didn’t want me to fight.”

“It was the heart of a fighter against my professional mind. I was split, because I’d be 60% prepared only. I’d risk my name and my career, which is something I’ve never done. Even when I lost I was in my best condition. UFC insisted and I said that I could only do it with a better proposition: a better scholarship. We live of the wins. If I lose, I’d go down on the ranking. I demanded more money to cover my risks and have a guarantee of recovery. Aside from the expenses of bringing all my crew, training on the United States on these 20 days, which demands a lot of money. I can’t get there and earn the same salary, it’d be different.”

“It’s up to him (Dana White). I wouldn’t say it, but he did, it’s his call, he’s the president, I can’t interfere. Maybe, if I remained quiet it was better, but it came up and I wasn’t upset. The most important is that I’m having the space to respond. All stories have two sides, which must be listened so that you can get what happened. It (retaliation) may happen. He said it won’t, but we never know. I hope not. We have to know to separate these things. It was only a business we had to do.”

The karate master also revealed that he’s currently undergoing physiotherapy sessions on a tendinitis crisis in his right elbow in Belem, Brazil, another consideration he took into account when offered the fight with Evans next month. Stay tuned to MMABay for more on this situation and more as we get it.
By Michael Pepper.