Caio Machado feels ‘my career is on the line’ at UFC Edmonton

Caio Machado found himself on the wrong end of two close decisions in the UFC, and now feels he desperately needs a victory to stay on the company roster.

The Brazilian talent built his MMA career competing in Canadian soil until he beat Kevin Szaflarski at Dana White’s Contender Series to enter the UFC, and disagrees with the judges that had him losing decisions to Mick Parkin and Don’Tale Mayes inside the octagon.

Machado decided to cut down to 205 pounds for the first time following the setbacks, and expects to perform better — and have more punching power — to ultimately save his career when he faces Brendson Ribeiro at Saturday’s UFC Edmonton.

“I”m in a super complicated situation because of those two losses, and it’s a bit more frustrating because I disagree with both of them,” Machado said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “Decisions are complicated in MMA. But the focus now is to win, win or win. This is the fight of my life, my career is on the line. I cut weight, I’m feeling better, and I’m ready for this challenge.”

Machado moved to Canada almost a decade ago to pursue a career unrelated to fighting, and loved it so much he kept postponing his return home. Canada eventually became home for the 6’4” man, who got married and became a father. Now a Canadian citizen, Machado decided to move back to Brazil to find new training and be by his father, who was fighting cancer — and beat it.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting in Canada,” Machado said. “Even though it’s a fight between two Brazilians, I’ll be representing both Brazil and Canada. My last fights were at the APEX, so I’m anxious to fight in front of a crowd again, especially being the home guy. It’s going to be awesome. I’m super excited to go there and perform in front of my crowd. I had my entire MMA career in Canada until I got to the UFC, so it’s like home to me.”