Caio Machado: I Know My Job Is on the Line at UFC Edmonton

Caio Machado knows the power and importance of momentum, having felt it as a positive as well as negative force.

The 30-year-old Brazilian by way of Canada rode a seven-fight, five-year unbeaten streak into his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut through Dana White's Contender Series. Now, two fights and two close decision defeats later, that streak is in the past and Machado feels the pressure to snap his current losing skid. However, Machado points out that 0-2 in the UFC could easily be a different tally, given how competitive his fights with Mick Parkin and Don'Tale Mayes have been.

“I believe I won those fights, especially the second one, against Don'Tale Mayes. But, unfortunately leaving it to the judges means nothing is for sure. I learned many lessons. One of them was to avoid decisions. If I can finish an opponent, I will. As much as I felt I won, I admit that both fights were competitive.”

The losses have been a learning process for Machado, and one of the lessons learned is that his best future in the UFC may lie at 205 pounds.

“One challenging factor was the weight. I’ve always been a fast heavyweight. But I felt small. So now I’m dropping down to light-heavyweight. It’s going to make a difference in my explosiveness, mobility, and punches.”

Heading into his matchup with Brendson Ribeiro at UFC Fight Night 246 on Saturday in Edmonton, Alberta, Machado sees threats that his countryman poses, but also sees clear routes to victory for himself.

“There are so many other Brazilians in the organization, that this sort of clash can’t be avoided,” Machado said. “I would if I could. It’s part of our job. I can see that Brendson is very strong and very explosive. He’s super aggressive. Everything he throws is to drop me, kill me, or take my head off. But I know he’s got holes in his game. The idea is to capitalize on that on the feet and on the ground. Once he starts making mistakes, he’ll get frustrated. That’s when I can land on him. Plus, I’m used to exchanging hits with guys close to 300 pounds. I don’t see how a light-heavyweight will drop me. I expect to win by the second round.”

Another major change for Machado ahead of UFC Edmonton is that, after years training and competing primarily in Canada, he has moved his preparation back home. “This is my first training camp after heading back to Brazil. I returned to my old team – Inside Hugo Goncalves, as well as M4 Jiu-Jitsu under master Marcio Mendes. Hugo Goncalves runs the muay thai and MMA training sessions. He also coaches Ariane Carnelossi. Our ground training is run by Marcio Mendes. He awarded me my black belt in jiu-jitsu. I am very thankful to my team in Canada, Franco Kickboxing. But here I feel at home and I’m close to my family. I’m close friends with my coaches. I have everything I need for this fight.”

Machado goes forth to battle on Saturday with the confidence that these changes will spell a change in his results in the cage. “My goal is to win this fight and stay in the UFC. As much as I felt I won my bouts in the UFC, the judges didn’t see it my way. I know my job is on the line. I won’t let it get away from me. I’m here to win. I feel that that light heavyweight is my rightful home, even if I had success in the past as a heavyweight.”