UFC Fight Night 58: Lyoto Machida Ain't Going Anywhere, Folks

Upon reviewing the tape of the UFC Fight Night 58 main event, we can barely make out Lyoto Machida’s left leg moving at the speed of light and planting firmly into CB Dollaway’s side, doubling him over and ending the bout in seconds.

It was another signature showing for Machida from start to finish: the graceful movement, the quickness and lethality of the strike, the veteran killer instinct. Even the sound of the kick landing was different than when other guys land the same kick

It just popped.

At a time when many were wondering, particularly coming off a title shot that didn’t turn out so hot for him, whether the Machida era might finally be coming to an end, the 36-year-old proved such naysaying to be for naught.

He looked as good as ever in demolishing Dollaway and could surely stake a claim to a second chance at Chris Weidman with another win over a top contender early in 2015. He has a championship pedigree, a likely Hall of Fame legacy and the ability to provide the most unique thrills in the sport when the cage door closes.

What’s not to like about that?

Machida’s drop to middleweight couldn’t have come at a better time, as it gave his career a shot in the arm at a time when it was desperately needed. He was floundering at light heavyweight as a former champion in his mid-30s with no obvious path after a contentious loss to Phil Davis at UFC 163.

No one knew what his next move was, so like many before him, he decided to simply get a little smaller and see what came of it.

Fast-forward 18 months, and he’s crushed capable 185'ers across the board with ruthless efficiency—so much so that he’d have to be the favorite against anyone in the weight class outside of the champion, whom Machida already pushed further than anyone else has to this stage in his career.

In terms of things that came of it, that’s a pretty sweet turnout. Becoming the third man in UFC history to hold gold in two weight classes would be even sweeter.

MMA is a volatile game, and nothing is guaranteed to anyone. There’s no way to map out Machida’s path from here. He’ll likely see another top contender, perhaps in a bout that serves as a title eliminator or keeps the winner within striking distance. For a little while longer, Machida's title dream will be alive.

One thing that is guaranteed, though? Machida is going to show up and give you something spectacular, just as he has since he began his UFC journey almost eight years ago.

The Karate Kid ain’t going anywhere, folks. He’s proved that much.

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