Lyoto Machida Explains His Side Of The Story Regarding UFC 133

When news of Phil Davis injury broke earlier this week, former UFC light heavyweight champ Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida (17-2) was tagged as a possible replacement for the UFC 133 event.
Machida’s camp was contacted by UFC President Dana White to take the fight against Rashad Evans on short notice, but according to the Karate champ, he turned down the bout immediately but after some negotiations said he’d take the fight if he was paid more for the fight.
‘The Dragon’ had asked for more money to cover the cost of bringing his entire training camp to the U.S. with just three weeks remaining before the Aug. 6 event. Machida felt that his normal salary wouldn’t be enough to cover the expenses.
White said Machida was asking for “Anderson Silva” money which was too much so he nixed the fight and eventually gave the bout to Tito Ortiz.
Feeling the scorn from fans, Machida spoke to Tatame.com to explain his side of the story saying “All stories have two sides, which must be listened so that you can get what happened.”

“UFC invited me for a bout with three weeks in advance and I said I wouldn’t take it since the beginning. I wasn’t prepared for it, it’d be against my own principles of professionalism, against what my family and team believe, and didn’t want me to fight”, said the karate fighter, confessing he thought about accepting it.”
“It was the heart of a fighter against my professional mind. I was split, because I’d be 60% prepared only. I’d risk my name and my career, which is something I’ve never done. Even when I lost I was in my best condition. UFC insisted and I said that I could only do it with a better proposition: a better scholarship. We live of the wins. If I lose, I’d go down on the ranking. I demanded more money to cover my risks and have a guarantee of recovery. Aside from the expenses of bringing all my crew, training on the United States on these 20 days, which demands a lot of money. I can’t get there and earn the same salary, it’d be different”, affirmed Lyoto, assured of his decision.