It's high time for a mixed martial arts (MMA) makeover for Lyoto Machida if he wants to start winning fights again.
That's according to Michael Bisping, who suggested "The Dragon" consider switching things up and be more aggressive inside the Octagon rather than "hanging around" and letting his opponents kickstart the action. That is, of course, if he wants to see the winner's circle again.
At UFC 163 this past weekend (Aug. 3, 2013), Machida came up short on the judges scorecards, losing a unanimous decision to Phil Davis, a result that many felt should have gone in favor of the Brazilian's (watch highlights here).
But, as company president Danas White reiterated after the bout, "that's what happens when you leave it up to the judges." And according to Bisping, the blame is solely on Machida's shoulders because he lacks "killer instinct" and aggression, claiming his "reserved" style just doesn't cut it anymore.
His words on FUEL TV's UFC 163 post-fight show:
"Lyoto didn't do enough in this fight. He was hanging around and letting Davis do his work. Davis impressed me with his striking. Machida wasn't overly active. Maybe he needs to change his style. I didn't see the killer instinct. He needs to be more aggressive. He's too reserved and too hesitant."
Machida has often been criticized for his elusiveness and preference to counter strike as opposed to pressing the action. That strategy, however, has proven successful for "The Dragon" in the past, leading him to a UFC Light Heavyweight championship back in 2009.
It's the same patient gameplan that helped him pick up wins over Mauricio Rua, Thiago Silva, Rashad Evans, Randy Couture and Dan Henderson. But, over his last seven fights, Machida has won just four of them, with his latest loss to "Mr. Wonderful" sending him to the back of a very crowded 205-pound contender line.