Lyoto Machida vs Ryan Bader set for UFC on FOX 4’s Co-Main Event

UFC officials today announced to Brazilian outlet esporte.ig.com.br that former champion Lyoto Machida will take on TUF winner Ryan “Darth” Bader.

UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. In addition to the FOX-televised main card, FUEL TV is expected to carry the prelims. Machida vs. Bader is expected to be part of the main card.

Since opening his career with a 16-0 mark and winning the UFC light-heavyweight title, Machida has dropped three of his past four fights. The Japanese-Brazilian karate specialist most recently fought in December, when he failed in an effort to reclaim his title. At UFC 140, new champ Jon Jones score a technical-submission victory over Machida, which followed “Dragon’s” earlier defeats to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Bader, who won “The Ultimate Fighter 8,” surged into title contention after winning his first five UFC fights. He then suffered back-to-back losses to Jones and Tito Ortiz (in a major upset) to derail his title hopes. Recently, though, the NCAA Division I wrestling standout has gotten back on track with a knockout win over Jason Brilz at UFC 139 and a unanimous-decision victory over Jackson at UFC 144. A win over Machida could get him right back in the thick of the title hunt.

The bout is expected to be a 3 round co-main event, with Brian Stann vs Hector Lombard headlining in a 5 round affair.

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