Lyoto Machida Issues Statement On Latest Defeat

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida suffered a first round knockout loss to Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo.

It was the first time that Machida has competed since being issued a suspension by USADA after a failed drug test.

The fighter took to Instagram to issue a statement on this latest defeat:

 

Quero agradecer todo apoio e suporte que tenho recebido dos meus fãs! Estou em casa, com minha família, recuperando do resultado que não veio, mas com a sensação de dever cumprido, pois qualquer um poderia ter desistido da ideia de ficar quase 2 anos afastado do esporte e em seguida voltar para o campo de batalha. A maior derrota seria desistir de um sonho que já me consagrou. Uma derrota maior seria te inspirar a não seguir adiante quando tudo o que você precisa fazer é levantar a cabeça e partir para cima. Então, agradeço a todas as mensagens de carinho e de força. Dizer que sim, o Dragão voltou e que desistir nunca será uma opção! No dia em que eu decidi que não iria parar de lutar eu quis mostrar para você que, independente das dificuldades da vida, ou você é um lutador, ou um desistente. Perder ou ganhar não é o que define um homem em sua essência, mas sim a sua jornada por aquilo que acredita e se dedica. Mais uma vez, obrigado por estar do meu lado. Conto sempre com sua torcida e saiba que estou sempre torcendo por você também. // I would like to thank all the support I've received from my fans! I'm home, with my family, recovering from a result that didn't come, but with a sense of achievement, since anyone could have given up the idea of returning to the battlefield after almost 2 years away from the sports. My biggest loss would be giving up the dream that once was my blessing. An even bigger loss would be inspiring you not to go ahead when all you need to do is to keep your head up and go on. Thus, I thank you all for the messages full of affection and strength. Saying that the Dragon is back and then giving up will never be an option! The day I decided I wouldn't stop fighting, I wanted to show you that, regardless of all the hardship of life, you are either a figher or a quitter. What defines a man in his essence is not losing or winning, but his journey for what he believes. Once more, thank you for being by my side. I will always count on your support, and know that I will be supporting you back.

A post shared by Lyoto Machida (@lyotomachidafw) on Nov 1, 2017 at 5:16pm PDT

Machida has now lost four of his last five under the UFC banner, with the one win coming over CB Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 58 in December of 2014. The Brazilian fighter captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Title when he defeated Rashad Evans by knockout at UFC 98.

Now that he has suffered his third straight defeat, the former light heavyweight champion is now on the longest losing streak of his professional MMA career.