Though Lyoto Machida's return to action didn't go his way, he's keeping his head high.
Not one week after losing to Derek Brunson in brutal fashion in his first fight in 28 months at UFC Fight Night 119, the former light heavyweight champion released a statement on Instagram displaying a positive attitude about the defeat:
I would like to thank all the support I've received from my fans! I'm home, with my family, recovering from a result that didn't come, but with a sense of achievement, since anyone could have given up the idea of returning to the battlefield after almost 2 years away from the sports. My biggest loss would be giving up the dream that once was my blessing. An even bigger loss would be inspiring you not to go ahead when all you need to do is to keep your head up and go on. Thus, I thank you all for the messages full of affection and strength. Saying that "The Dragon" is back and then giving up will never be an option! The day I decided I wouldn't stop fighting, I wanted to show you that, regardless of all the hardship of life, you are either a fighter or a quitter. What defines a man in his essence is not losing or winning, but his journey for what he believes. Once more, thank you for being by my side. I will always count on your support, and know that I will be supporting you back.
The middleweight bout came after Machida served an 18-month USADA-sanctioned suspension for a banned substance. Last week's loss marked his third straight - all by stoppage - and preserved a winless drought dating back to his December 2014 first-round knockout of CB Dollaway.
