Lyoto Machida Debuts On Karate Combat Thursday Night

Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida makes his commentary debut Thursday at Karate Combat.

Machida, who joined the promotion earlier this year, will be on the call with Bas Rutten. 

The CBS Sports Network card will feature Brooklyn-born standout Ross Levin against Spanish knockout artist Igor de Castaneda. 

“When I brought Machida Karate to the world, people were reminded how devastating karate can be. Now I’m excited to see a new generation learning that same lesson from Karate Combat and I’m proud to be part of it,” Machida said. “Seeing this new era of karate fighters from all across the world has been very inspiring for me – their level is very high and I’ve been amazed by some of the things I’ve seen here. It also has me curious about competing under these rules myself. That’s a conversation we’re having right now.”

Viewers will also have the chance to pick up some Machida technique as they see Levine – who is returning to karate after an undefeated run in GLORY Kickboxing – learn some of Machida’s most prized kick secrets in a private training session with the Brazilian black belt. 

“When you talk about Lyoto Machida, you’re talking about a karateka who has reached the highest heights in martial arts competition. To have him part of our organization is an honor – the fighters in the upcoming bouts can’t believe he’s going to be an analyst for their fights,” said Karate Combat president Adam Kovacs. “Ross Levine and Eoghan Chelmiah were able to secure some training time with him and when we release those videos you’ll see how even these experienced fighters are just awestruck by what he’s able to tell them and show them. Imagine the reaction if he steps inside The Pit to compete.”

Karate Combat: Season 3 airs every Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and across Europe and Asia at 10 p.m. local time on the Eurosport network. 

Each weekly installment can also be watched on-demand at Karate.com and at the official Karate Combat YouTube channel.