Lyoto Machida is set for a bout with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, the former two division champion, at UFC 129 in Toronto, Canada this April. Machida hopes to break his losing streak, as a third loss for the Brazilian could very well mean a quick release from the UFC.
“He’s had two losses in a row,” White told the troops. “Right after he won the title, (UFC on-air analyst Joe) Rogan said this is ‘The Machida Era,’ and I thought so too. Then Shogun beat him, and then he just lost to Rampage. Now he’s fighting Randy Couture in Toronto – and this is a must-win for him.”
However Machida may not be the only competitor with his contract on the line. White also said Ortiz, once a very dominant champion in the UFC, may also be reaching the end of his career. Ortiz has a main event bout scheduled for UFC’s Fight Night 24 in Seattle, Washington in March against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
“Tito’s got to win this fight to stay in the UFC,” White said. “If he loses this fight, he’ll probably retire.”
