Who Is Lyoto Machida? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lyoto Machida, born on May 30, 1978, is a celebrated Brazilian mixed martial artist and karateka, known for his striking style and unique fighting techniques. As of 2025, Machida is 46 years old. He first gained prominence in the UFC, becoming the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2009. With a background in traditional karate, Machida has successfully merged his martial arts training with mixed martial arts (MMA), earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most skilled and cerebral fighters. His dedication to martial arts extends beyond the ring, as he remains an influential figure in promoting karate worldwide.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1978 |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Birth Place | Salvador, Bahia, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Lyoto Machida's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive 6 feet (183 cm) tall, Machida boasts a competitive weight of around 205 pounds (93 kg) when fighting in the light heavyweight division. His disciplined training regimen and commitment to fitness keep him in peak physical condition, with body measurements that reflect his athlete lifestyle.
- Height: 6 ft (183 cm)
- Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Reach: 74 in (188 cm)
At UFC 79, Machida faced Sokoudjou, a judo practitioner making his UFC debut after back-to-back upset knockout victories over Pride veterans Antônio Rogério Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. Machida submitted Sokoudjou with an arm triangle choke at 4:20 of the second round.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lyoto Machida is married to Fábia Machida, and the couple shares a strong bond, often spotted together at various events. They have two children, showcasing a close-knit family life. There has been no public information suggesting any notable changes or news in his relationship status, and he appears dedicated to his family while balancing his professional life.
Yoshizo moved to Brazil from Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan when he was 22 years old, where he met and married Lyoto's Brazilian mother, Ana Cláudia. In Japanese, Lyoto's name (龍太) is read as "Ryūta" (or "Lyūta" – Japanese language does not differentiate the letters "L" and "R").
However, his mother opposed it, as names ending in "a" are generally feminine in Portuguese. Because of that, they decided to name him Lyoto, with the masculine ending "o". Growing up in Belém, Lyoto began training in Karate at the age of 3 and earned his black belt at the age of 13.
He also began training in Sumo at the age of 8, and then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo at 16. He won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate tournament.
Later he travelled to Thailand to study Muay Thai, to Japan to study Catch Wrestling at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Dojo and finally to the United States to pursue his UFC career.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Lyoto Machida's estimated net worth is around $8 million. His wealth stems from a successful career in mixed martial arts, including fight earnings, bonuses, and endorsements. Machida has consistently been a prominent figure in the sport, contributing to his substantial income over the years.
In the co-main event of UFC 94, Machida faced fellow undefeated Brazilian contender Thiago Silva. The two were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 89, but a back injury forced Silva to withdraw from the contest.
UFC President Dana White indicated in the pre-fight press conference that Machida would receive a title shot with a victory, while Silva would need to defeat Machida and win one more contest before earning the same opportunity.
Machida was able to knock down Silva twice during the first round before ultimately knocking him out after tripping him and jumping in landing the knockout punch at 4:59 of the first round, scoring his first UFC knockout victory and winning his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.
Career, Business and Investments
Lyoto Machida's career is distinguished by his achievements in the UFC and various martial arts tournaments. He has fought many well-known opponents, showcasing his skills and strategic approach to combat.
Beyond fighting, Machida has ventured into business, involving himself in projects aimed at promoting health and fitness, and staying active in the martial arts community. He conducts seminars and workshops to teach his fighting style, further solidifying his reputation in the MMA and karate worlds.
Machida began his career in mixed martial arts under the management of legendary professional wrestler and MMA pioneer Antonio Inoki in Japan. On 2 May 2003, he defeated Kengo Watanabe by decision in his professional debut on a card promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling in Tokyo.
During this time he competed under the name of Lyoto, written in all caps. He was discussed by Inoki as a symbolic "successor" figure for himself, as Naoya Ogawa and Kazuyuki Fujita had been in the past.
Social Network
Machida is quite active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage with his thousands of fans worldwide. He frequently shares training tips, personal insights, and motivational content related to martial arts. His online presence helps bridge the gap between his athletic career and his role as a mentor for young martial artists.
- Instagram: @lyotomachidafighter
- Twitter: @lyotomachida
In the post-fight interview, Rampage expressed that the fairest thing would be to offer Machida an immediate rematch, as he felt he had lost the fight. Five of 7 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Machida. However, since UFC President Dana White personally felt that Rampage won the fight, he denied the possibility of an immediate rematch.
This generated some controversy, as White had previously awarded an immediate rematch to Rua in spite of a unanimous judgment decision awarded to Machida in that fight.
Education
Lyoto Machida holds a degree in Physical Education, providing him with a solid foundation in fitness and health principles. His educational background complements his martial arts expertise, allowing him to train and teach with a scientific approach.
In conclusion, Lyoto Machida continues to be a prominent figure in the world of martial arts. His journey, marked by dedication, skill, and a commitment to family, provides inspiration to many, both inside and outside of the ring. With a bright future ahead, fans look forward to seeing what the Samurai has in store in the coming years.
He was the runner-up in the 2000 Brazilian Sumo Championships in the 115 kg division. As an adult, he became Brazilian Champion twice, and placed second in the South American Championship. He defeated American fighter and jiu-jitsu black belt Rafael Lovato Jr. at L.A. Sub X. In addition to his sumo and karate achievements, he has a college degree in Physical Education.
