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Lyoto Machida is stepping into a new chapter of his MMA journey—not as a fighter, but as a leader. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has been named the team manager of São Paulo in the Global Fight League (GFL), a fresh promotion aiming to shake up the combat sports landscape. However, that doesn’t mean he’s closed the door on fighting altogether.
Initially, GFL reached out to Machida with an offer to compete, but the veteran fighter opted for a different path.
“They invited me as an athlete, but I said, ‘No, I’m away for some time and I’d rather come in as a manager,’” Machida told MMA Fighting. “I want to see how it goes, the changes in the organization. I saw the signings, a lot of people getting signed, but we want to see it happening.”
At 46, Machida isn’t rushing back into the cage. Instead, he’s embracing the opportunity to help build a new promotion alongside legendary coach Andre Pederneiras. The GFL, which has signed numerous high-level fighters, presents a fresh alternative in the MMA landscape, and Machida sees its potential.
“Competition is good, and that’s what we hope for as fighters and coaches,” he said. “It opens more doors.”
While he’s focused on his managerial role, Machida hasn’t ruled out returning to action if the right opportunity presents itself.
“I came in as a manager, but I’m not taking away the possibility of fighting,” he admitted. “I’m not saying I won’t fight again. It’s not like that. But it’s not a priority for me.”
Machida’s impressive resume includes victories over legends like Rashad Evans, Tito Ortiz, and Vitor Belfort. After a successful UFC career, he moved to Bellator, where he defeated names like Rafael Carvalho and Chael Sonnen before parting ways with the organization following a four-fight skid.
Despite stepping back from competition, the Brazilian still maintains his training routine.
“I train every single day,” he revealed. “I’m not training like I fight, of course, but I’m doing what I always did—training jiu-jitsu, striking everything. If an opportunity came, it’s like I’m staying at 60 percent, so I would push the pace and prepare for a fight.”
GFL boasts a roster filled with MMA veterans, including Machida’s former opponents Gegard Mousasi, Yoel Romero, and Luke Rockhold. While he’s not actively seeking a return, he acknowledges that the right challenge could lure him back.
“What would make me fight again is maybe a challenge, something that made sense for me,” Machida explained. “Someone from the same generation? OK, it could happen, but it can’t just be anything or any fight. You have to know your place and moment.”
For now, Machida is content in his role as a leader, helping shape the future of the sport. But if the right opportunity arises, the Dragon may still have one more fight left in him.