Lyoto Machida's Beatdown Was Worse Than Expected, Surgery Needed

Not only did Lyoto Machida suffer the first loss of his MMA career at UFC 113 , but he got knocked completely unconscious in the process. According to manager Ed Soares, Machida may need surgery to repair an orbital fracture he suffered courtesy of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

“He does have a slight hairline fracture, and the reason why it puffed up is the doctor said there was air that got in, and that’s why it fills up,” Soares told MMAJunkie.com Monday night.

The puffing Soares is referring to was the severe swelling under Machida’s left eye when he regained consciousness and got back to his feet. According to Soares, Machida blew his nose to clear it of residual blood and that’s what caused his face to swell.

“You have almost like a seal with your orbital, and when you have a little hairline fracture and you blow your nose, it just fills up with air,” said Soares. 

“It’s nothing too major. He may have to have surgery; he may not. It’s up in the air right now.”

There is currently no timetable for his return, however Soares fully expects for his client to get right back into title contention as soon as the healing process is complete.

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