RFA 15's Chinzo Machida hopes to work his way to brother's side in UFC

For being a 37-year-old fighter with just four pro bouts under his belt, Chinzo Machida still carries the sport’s loftiest ambition.

The older brother of former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who challenges for the middleweight belt next month, wants to reach the upper echelon of the sport so he can join his brother in the promotion.

“I’d like to get into the UFC. I’d also like to fight into my 40s,” Chinzo Machida told MMAjunkie.

If he’s able to one day get that call from the UFC, he’ll almost certainly have to hit the second of those two goals. Machida made his MMA debut in his native Brazil more than nine years ago. Then he had just one fight in 2006 and one in 2010, both losses.

But on his biggest stage yet, at RFA 11 this past November, he beat Brian Wood with a highlight-reel flying knee. But only four fights in seven and a half years? What’s the deal?

“I was busy helping with Lyoto’s MMA career, but what kept me busiest was my own karate career,” Machida said. “I had placed second place in the world and I was trying to become champion. But I’m done with that pursuit and I’m more focused on MMA now.”

Machida (2-2) meets Dmitry Gerasimov (3-1) in a featherweight fight on Friday at RFA 15, which takes place at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Culver City, Calif. The main card airs on AXS TV.

Like his brother, Machida brings a renowned karate background into his MMA game. But he said he’s working to get better in all areas, true to what’s needed in the sport.

“I’m a jiu-jitsu brown belt,” he said. “I study wrestling under Kenny Johnson. Unlike Lyoto, I didn’t practice much sumo. Lastly, I train with Rener Gracie in Torrance (Calif.) at the Gracie academy.

“I’m highly confident in my work. I think Lyoto will be in my corner and his MMA experience will help me a lot. I can’t predict what my opponent will do. I’ll just have to feel my way once the fight starts. I don’t want to worry to much, because he could always surprise me. So I’m going with a clear mind. I’m ready for everything.”

A win over Gerasimov might not get Machida a call from the UFC just yet, but sticking with RFA certainly may have him pointed in the right direction. The promotion has sent several fighters to the UFC already, and with Machida’s pedigree, a shot at the big time may not be far away – provided he keeps fighting and winning.

For the latest on RFA 15, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.