UFC 104 – Lyoto Machida Versus Mauricio Rua
Dragon and Shogun to Fight for the Light Heavyweight Title
At 205 pounds and holder of the Light Heavyweight belt, most betters see Machida’s winning streak as continuing. Rewind about four years ago, when Rua was a formidable force on the Pride scene, and we might predict a different outcome. Today, however, the Dragon looks to triumph over Shogun who, despite his unquestionable strength, just doesn’t seem to have the sharpness or fluidity of movement to calculate a way through Machida’s as-yet impermeable stance. Apart from a puncher’s chance or a down-and-out brawl where Shogun comes off the better, the Dragon will do what he does best – stick and move and look for opportunities to capitalize and cause pain. That Rua is a fellow Brazilian will not likely win him any points from Machida's camp.
Fight Outcome
It may have taken fans a while to overcome their prejudices of Machada’s ‘boring’ style of fighting, but the Dragon is not likely to change formulas and find glory through a gruesome battle that supposedly relies on a fighter’s heart and a connecting fist. Instead Machida offers a new example that, while perhaps not as exciting or brutal as other fighters in the sport, has so-far been more successful. After all, with an undefeated UFC record of 15-0 and having never lost a single round since joining the organization, Machida holds the tools of a true martial artist – one who is able to win without getting too bruised along the way.
His recent wins over the flashy Rashad Evans and the powerful Thiago Silva shows Machida has the class, pedigree and chin to clash with titans and come off the better. While most evident is his stand-up game, Machida's grappling is often overlooked. Not to forget his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For his part, Rua has unquestionably had some herculean battles over the years and has vanquished some mighty foes. That said, he does not look as good as he once did. In fact, one may wonder what impact those battles in Pride may have had on the young fighter. Nevertheless, in an ever-changing fight world those triumphant wins are slowly becoming a memory etched into the dusty record books.
What Next?
The Dragon has the crown and the Dragon will keep the crown. It will probably take more than Shogun to relegate Machida to the record books. So, forget about Shogun, who is the next contender? Or, more importantly, who is left?
The Dragon posing with Fans
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