• UFC 129

Money messed up Machida - Dana White

ESPN staff
April 29, 2011
Lyoto Machida has lost his last two fights © Getty Images
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Dana White believes Lyoto Machida can return to the top of the UFC light-heavyweight division, if he can rediscover his hunger for the sport.

Machida takes on Randy Couture on Saturday at UFC 129, knowing he faces the possibility of being cut by the UFC if he chalks up a third straight defeat.

The Dragon stormed unbeaten to the 205lb title, defeating Rashad Evans to capture the belt, but after a controversial victory over Mauricio Shogun Rua in his first title defence, Machida then lost the rematch and followed that up with defeat to Rampage Jackson.

White believes the taste of success went to Machida's head, but now he expects the Brazilian to come out with new focus against Couture.

"This is what I think happened; A guy goes through his entire career, he's got this incredible elusive style, nobody can figure him out, he's explosive, got knockout power, but then once you start making a lot of money, it starts messing with your head and you start doing things differently," White told ESPN's MMA Live.

"I think if Machida comes out like the old Machida, I think he can beat anybody in the world."

Added motivation for Machida comes in the shape of the August event at UFC Rio, where he admits he would love to fight in the future.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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