Lyoto Machida was thrilled to defeat Chael Sonnen at yesterday’s Bellator 222 event, but he found no additional satisfaction in retiring the ‘legend’.

Machida was able to drop Sonnen with a flying knee in round one, but the always durable Oregon native was able to survive and see a second round.

At the beginning of the second frame Lyoto Machida was once again able to find a home for a flying knee (watch that here) and eventually put Chael Sonnen away with ground and pound.

Following his fourth consecutive victory, Lyoto Machida spoke to reporters about the fight and being the man to retire Chael Sonnen.

“To be honest, I don’t think anything about that,” Machida told reporters, via MMA Junkie. “I feel it’s an honor for me to be part of his history and to share the cage with Chael Sonnen, Randy Couture, Vitor Belfort, because I consider those guys are legends in the sport. To be part of their story, for me, I’m so grateful for that.”

When asked if he thought Chael Sonnen made the right choice by retiring, Lyoto Machida responded,

“It’s up to him,” Machida said. “It’s hard to say anything about that, because you’ve got to respect the time of everyone. If Chael thinks that he has to retire then we just have to respect his decision and appreciate what he has been doing for the sport. He’s considered one of the best in the sport, so you have to respect that.”

With his win over Chael Sonnen at Bellator 222, Lyoto Machida could now rematch either Gegard Mousasi or Ryan Bader for their respective Bellator world titles.

Who would you like to see ‘The Dragon’ fight in his next appearance? Sound off in the comments section Penn Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENNDOTCOM June 15, 2019