Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida versus Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has been one of the most talked about mixed martial arts match-ups of the year. Here are the pre-fight stats: Machida has never lost a fight, and he has also never lost a round in the UFC. He is the most elusive fighter in the UFC, and gets hit far less often then anyone. Machida has become one of the most dynamic and explosive fighters in the world. And, how?--Karate. On the flip side, Shogun has never been knocked out in the UFC. He is coming off of a broken arm and two knee surgeries since being in the UFC, but appears to be back into form after his great performance against Chuck Liddell. When Shogun fought in the Pride organization, he was regarded as one of the best, if not the best, light heavyweight fighters in the world. Will this be a changing of the tides? Here is the play-by-play analysis at UFC 104.
The Walkout
Shogun appears to be a little nervous. He breaths deeply as he approaches the cage. Machida comes out in his signature gi, and appears calm and settled. Fight introductions are called. Shogun is pumped, shaking out his arms, and looks ready to go. Machida still looks very, very calm.
Round One
Machida is in his upright, karate stance. Shogun leads with a kick. Machida clinches into a plum, and throws a some knees against the body. Shogun lands another hard right kick. Machida out of respect for Shogun's power looks to clinch and throw knees again. The two fighters break apart, and Machida comes back with a left kick to the body. Shogun throws an a kick against Machida's ribs, and comes in for the clinch. As the fighters break free, Machida lands a flying knee to the body of Shogun. Shogun is still able to clinch, and presses Machida against the cage. Shogun counters with right kick and right hand counter. The round ends as both fighters are looking to be patient. Machida may have lost his first round ever.
Round Two
Shogun is pressing the action. Machida looks a little tired halfway through this round. Machida lands a punishing body kick. Shogun returns with a one-two combo and right leg kick. A crushing body kick lands by Shogun. Machida cringes and grabs his swollen ribs. Shogun clinches Machida against the cage, while throwing knees to the legs. This may be another loss round for Machida.
Round Three
Machida looks to have caught his breath, until he received another body kick. A right hand and left kick is thrown by Machida followed by a counter kick by Shogun. Shogun pressed Machida against the cage, and returns a leg kick. Machida comes in with a body kick. Shogun misses with his own. Machida loads his right hand, and follows with a left leg. Shogun attempts a double leg takedown and is stuffed. Shogun is scoring with leg kicks, and you can see the pain in Machida's face. Another body kick lands for Shogun. Machida finally catches Shogun with a left hand. Its not too long before Machida takes another hard right leg kick, and is forced to clinch. The two fighters separate and Machida blasts Shogun with a series of punches and a front kick. Shogun covers up against the cage and returns with his own punches. This round appears to have been won by Machida.
Round Four
A couple of leg kicks miss by both fighters. Shogun is looking to throw a hard body kick as Machida evades. The crowd is growing impatient. Machida looks to threaten, but Shogun counters with a couple of leg kicks. A few seconds past, Machida tosses up a high kick that lands, but slips on the canvas. Shogun looks to pounce and keep Machida against the cage. Machida is able to avoid the take down. Leg kicks keep coming from Shogun. Machida counters with with a one-two punch of his own. Shogun covers up and stays calm. After the barrage of punches, Shogun lands another powerful leg kick and elbow in the clinch. One minute to go...Machida jumps in with a hard right, but is answered with another leg kick. The round closes with both fighters standing in the middle of the cage. Shogun appears to have won this round.
Fifth Round
Shogun looks to have more energy in the beginning of the round. Shogun feints the left and lands another right leg kick. Machida looks to counter in the clinch with a knee to the body. Machida takes another body kick, and lands a body kick of his own. Shogun get handled in the clinch and takes a knee to the face. The two fighters stall against the cage. The crowd erupts and the ref is forced to restart the action. Soon enough, Shogun hits Machida with another leg kick, but takes another hard elbow in the clinch. The two break up and Shogun leaps in with a right hand, but misses. The round ends with Machida leading with a signature left body kick. Shogun counters with a left hand as Machida reliably throws in the clinch. This was a very close round.
All judges scored the fight 48-47 for Machida for a questionable decision. This was a very competitive, and high caliber championship fight. Shogun seemed to have scored more points over Machida with hard kicks. Machida worked well in the clinch, and was able to land some brutal knees. It may have been true that Machida had better control and poise. He also utilized and landed more striking tools, but Shogun was more punishing with his leg kicks. There were times when I thought the Machida was going to have to quit. Never was Shogun in any real danger. This may be the most disputed decision ever in a championship fight. A rematch in the near future is sure to come, as this was Machida's greatest challenge.
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