This Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 4 Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida faces off with Ryan “Darth” Bader in a light heavyweight match up. Both of these men have earned their spots in the elite of the 205 pounders and now they are determined to show that they deserve to stay there.

Lyoto last fought in the Octagon at UFC 140 in December of 2011 when he was submitted in the second round by the Champion Jon Jones. Lyoto started off his career going 16-0 and winning the UFC’s light heavyweight crown. Since then he defended the championship successfully once before dropping three of the next four including the title to Shogun Rua and a shot a Jon Jones’ belt. Coming into this fight he admits to feeling the pressure to preform well but has learned from his losses and ready to put on a good show.

Ryan Bader, the man who will face Machida, knows he has his hands full with one of the most elusive fighters in MMA. Bader stated that Machida, who is well known for his karate base, is a big puzzle because it is not a style you see in the gym regularly. Bader didn’t want to give up his game plan before the fight but is comfortable with what he and his coaches have come up with and is happy with the people that they have brought in to train with.

Both of the fighters when asked about how they felt about the Rua vs Vera winner getting the next shot at the title have no animosity. Bader feels that a win over Machida will keep him right there in contention and that if Vera is able to beat Shogun he deserves a shot at the winner of Jones vs Henderson that will be happening on September 1. Machida also feels that the Vera/Rua winner is a good choice as Shogun is one of the best light heavyweights ever and Vera has proved himself in the UFC.