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Lyoto Machida has nose surgery, plots UFC return after recovery

Published Jul. 1, 2015 8:30 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

Following a second consecutive loss last weekend, former UFC champion Lyoto Machida is on the mend after suffering a broken nose that required surgery after his fight against Yoel Romero in Florida.

According to Machida's manager Ed Soares via UFC Tonight, Machida broke his nose during the fight and went directly into surgery on Sunday.

Machida ate a series of hard elbows to the face and head from Romero in the third round that led to the TKO stoppage.

The medical procedure forced Machida to stay in Florida for a few extra days to recover, but he's not expected to be out of action for any extended period of time.

The one thing Soares made clear about Machida's future is the Brazilian still has plans to return to fighting and two losses won't deter him from getting back in the Octagon once he's had some time off to recover.

Machida came back just two months removed from a second-round loss to Luke Rockhold in New Jersey before facing Romero last weekend.

With the broken nose and subsequent surgery, Machida will now take some much needed down time before booking his next fight in the UFC.

One thing is for certain -- we haven't seen the last of 'The Dragon' in the Octagon.

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