UFC Belem video highlights: Lyoto Machida barely gets by Eryk Anders

The UFC Belem main event was graced with the UFC’s # 13 middleweight, and former light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida picking up a split decision over the previously undefeated Eryk Anders. Machida struck first, dropping Anders with a stinging leg kick, then proceeding to kick the legs of the downed fighter. Anders landed a clean southpaw cross in the second stanza, but Machida was able to recover quickly and continue to use his movement to avoid the power of his opponent.

Machida began leaking from the face after Anders caught him with a well placed knee. The southpaw cross of Anders continued to be a major threat for Machida, and the blood constantly dripping dow his face didn’t seem to help matters much. Machida maintained his composure and kept up his movement, but Anders was right there step for step until the sounding of the final bell.

Check out Tim Burke’s play-by-play from round 3 of Lyoto Machida vs. Eryk Anders:

Round 3 - Anders catches a kick and takes Machida down. As Machida gets up, he eats a knee and a left. He’s cut badly on the bridge of the nose, and it’s already streaming down his chest. Machida with a leg kick. Anders is still walking him down but not throwing much. Another kick from Machida. Machida with a left. He hits a step-in elbow and Anders just missed with a big right. Anders with a knee and a left out of a brief clinch. Outside leg kick from Machida. Machida with a left cross. A left from Anders wobbles Machida. But he immediately went for a takedown instead of following up. The cut is opened oven more now and Machida is bleeding all over Anders’ back. 10-9 Anders.

Eryk Anders lands a strong left hand:

Look at this huge left land for Anders:

A big knee by Anders:

Extra highlights of Machida-Anders: