Caio Machado and Blendson Ribeiro, UFC Edmonton ceremonial weigh-in credit: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press
No body change has been more dramatic than UFC light heavyweight Caio Machado’s weight cut from heavyweight, and his first test was against Blendson Ribeiro on Saturday night at UFC Edmonton.
Machado (8-3-1) made his UFC light heavyweight debut against Ribeiro in UFC Edmonton. The former heavyweight comes into this bout coming off a two-fight loss, having withdrawn from two previous fights in the UFC. The DWCS contract winner moved to the 205 to get his career back on track.
Ribeiro (15-7) enters this fight in 2024 having dropped his previous two fights. A win over Machado would buy him time to get things right and likely keep his spot on the roster.
In round 1, both fighters came out with careful kicks to the legs and body. Machado continued to send high attacks, but Ribeiro successfully blocked his attempts. Machado continued to fire shots from high up, but Ribeiro stayed calm and patient, leaning in to block his attacks.
Ribeiro landed a big right hand that drew a smile from Machado, but didn’t change the pace of the round.
Round 2 didn’t change much except Machado went for a kick to the body and chose to follow up with his hands up. Ribeiro still hadn’t cut off the cage that served Machado so well. Machado looked like he was trying to hang on, but Ribeiro kept chasing him, which took away a lot of power from his shot.
To be honest, this match really felt like a sparring session from the beginning.
Round 3 is similar. Ribeiro chases, Machado avoids, and just gets in the way of the attack. He immediately fought back until Ribeiro’s big right hand rocked Machado. It was just as exciting as the fight.
Official result: Blendson Ribeiro def. Caio Machado split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
