Machida Cannot Afford Decision, Teixeira Says

Marcelo AlonsoApr 29, 2011
WEC veteran Glover Teixeira was part of Lyoto Machida’s training camp in Belem, Brazil, as he prepared for his upcoming bout with Randy Couture at UFC 129 on Saturday in Toronto. Once a sparring partner of UFC hall of famer Chuck Liddell, Teixeira believes Machida’s controversial loss to Quinton Jackson in November left a sour taste in the former champion’s mouth and reminded him of the need for a knockout or submission.

“Lyoto is looking more for a knockout. He can’t let the judges decide it, because if there’s a draw or a decision is needed, Couture will win. He’s a legend in the U.S.,” Teixeira told Sherdog.com. “If he fights the way he did in the third round against Jackson, believing in himself, he will win and get back on track to the belt. He has to be aggressive and confident.”

Teixeira believes Machida will win by knockout.

“Lyoto is ready,” he said. “He has a good ground game, so even if Randy puts him down, he will be able to survive and stand up again. He just can’t get into the clinch game. The old man is dirty, and he deserves respect. I believe Machida will knock him out in the second or third round.”