In mid-November, former Lyoto Machida was suspended after he was flagged for a USADA violation. Specifically, he admitted to have taken supplements with 7-keto-DHEA, which forced him to the sidelines for 18 months.
7-keto-DHEA is a substance that does not increase testosterone levels. During his recent appearance on The Fighter and the Kid podcast’s “Big Brown Breakdown”, “The Dragon” revealed that he was merely using the supplement to lower his cortisol levels from the stress brought on by his two consecutive losses. But as for being sidelined and having more than a year shaved off his fighting career, the 38-year-old Machida remains unfazed and positive.
“It’s very hard because the sport evolves so fast, changes so fast,” Machida said. “So, you have to be there to see the changes that are happening in the moment. That’s why I keep training everyday, I try to mix myself in all of the academies. I try to go to Kings MMA with Master Rafael Cordeiro, do some sparring over there, train over there with a bunch of fighters from the UFC and Bellator.”
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity to fight in October (when the suspension lapses). I think at the end of the day, it’s gonna be good for me.”
When asked about who he wants to fight upon his return, Machida rightfully says that current champion Michael Bisping is “the best option.” But as far as calling out fighters for “big money fights” since it is a trend among his contemporaries today, Machida refuses to do so.
“It’s not my style,” Machida said. “I’m not gonna change my principles, I’m not gonna change anything just to make money. I’ll stay like (how) Lyoto Machida always was and do my stuff, do a great fight, and try to do some fights through my technique. I don’t want to change my style.”
Machida’s interview begins at the 51:47 mark of the video, where he also talks in detail about how he was flagged for the substance, dealing with cheater accusations, and putting up a Karate school.
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