And the first jab thrown in UFC 140 is... Lyoto Machida

From Five Knuckles
By Hubert lau

Could 2012 be year of the Dragon?

Lyoto Machida is confident as he is given the chance to reclaim his title when he faces the one time defending UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, at UFC 140 according to tatame.com.

Currently Jones is standing in a similar position to where Machida was just two years ago. Armed with an unorthodox style that has left his opponents bewildered and battered in their fights, Jones reigns the UFC's light heavyweight division much like Machida when he first won the title from Rashad Evans at UFC 98.

"It's hard, he's is much versatile and knows a lot of techniques, but we play a similar game. He kicks, I kick, he punches and goes to the ground, I can defend myself and take him down too. Stamina and game plan are things that could define this bout's outcome. Nobody is invincible," said Machida.

Machida declares that his is physically 100 percent ready for his fight with Jones and opts to keep his training camp in Brazil, looking to train with Anderson Silva for preparation. Additionally Machida predicts a strategic duel when he faces Jones at UFC 140.

"It'll be a strategic bout, he's a guy who studies his opponents and so do I...I'll do my job and keep training. My life ain't about money and fame, it's always been training, since I was an amateur. I've always waited for this moment to come to me again," added Machida

UFC 140 is expected to be scheduled on December 10 at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jones vs. Machida light heavyweight title match is to headlined, complemented by the Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir rematch in the co-main event.

* According to the Chinese calender, 2012 is the year of the Dragon