Chinzo Machida says brother Lyoto is motivated, excited for UFC return

Lyoto Machida will finally be cleared to return to the Octagon in October.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion, suspended for 18 months in April 2016 after disclosing the use of a product that contained the banned substance 7-keto-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) a few days before his clash with Dan Henderson, hasn’t fought since June 2015.

Chinzo Machida, Lyoto’s older brother, is set to compete at Bellator’s upcoming event at Madison Square Garden, New York, on June 24, against James Gallagher, and sees his brother in great shape ahead of his potential return.

“He hasn’t stopped training normally, he’s always staying in shape, training hard,” Chinzo Machida told MMA Fighting. “He's pretty excited now that his return is near. I think that everything has been a learning experience for him.

"He’s motivated. He’ll be back soon to show everything he can do and fight for the belt soon. But first, let’s focus on his return.”

According to the 40-year-old featherweight, having “The Dragon" in his camp and his corner at Bellator 180 has helped the longtime UFC veteran.

“I think that got him more excited because we’re always together, helping each other,” Machida said. “He's watching me train every day, training with me as well, so that gives him motivation.”