UFC Quick Quote: Brandon Vera turns down Lyoto Machida fight?

If id lost two in a row i wouldn’t want to fight Machida. And anyway Machida needs a tougher opponent than Vera for his next fight, i think one more win for Machida = title shot.

by Macho Bullshit on Jun 20, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think its a case anyone is scared of him, they are scared of the boos they would get from the crowd from fighting him and permanently damaging their persona

by Automation on Jun 20, 2008 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed, Machida’s skilled but doesn’t really put on the best show..

by O damn he got caught on Jun 20, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He may not put on the best show, but he can bring on the heat[ala Karo Parisyan] if he wants to. And furthermore, he’s one of the most intelligent fighters in the octagon!

by TheNegation on Jun 21, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think that fight would have been fair to Machida. Machida deserves a top five LHW not a guy who has lost two in a row and making his LHW debut.

by RealDrew on Jun 20, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but that doesn’t alter the fact of why people don’t want to fight him.

It is a shame really, but I think he is going to be another Lindland.

by Automation on Jun 20, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even on a two fight losing streak, Vera would be a nice victory for Machida and would get him that title shot.

by BLOodyMEss on Jun 20, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It does look like the UFC tried their hardest to put together a block buster card for us. The card is still really good though. I’m not sure if it’s enough to lure me away from the Affliction card though? Any thoughts?

by Robert on Jun 20, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know I will be trying to get a few friends together for the Affliction card. I will definately want to see Anderson Silva fight at lhw, but other than that, the Affliction card is definately more stacked.

by naturalshadow on Jun 21, 2008 4:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know Machida isn’t exciting but Vera could have put a win against a guy who is undefeated and a top 10 LHW. There is no question about it that it was a dumb mistake on Vera’s part. I think Vera is afraid of losing to Machida (based on Machida’s style). Maybe he didn’t want to lose three in a row with the possibility of being cut (although I don’t think that would happen even if he lost to Machida)… but it will if he loses to Reese Andy. Which is why I get confused by this, he might look really bad if he loses to a relative unknown instead of looking hardcore taking on a guy who is undefeated

by Smokes on Jun 20, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed big time… well spoken.

by Robert on Jun 20, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What no-one is mentioning on here which i find strange is the fact that maybe Vera can’t make the cut at such short notice??

Like most fighters after the Werdum fight he probably let his ‘hair’ down and put on a few pounds.

To then fight at short notice and move down a weight is a big ask.

I think if they offered him Machida at 89 or whatever he’d bite Joe Silva’s hand off.

by Nick J on Jun 21, 2008 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cancel that, just seen he’s fighting at 205 vs someone else. I’m an idiot and Vera is a Pu$$y.

by Nick J on Jun 21, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The truth is starting to look like a big LIE!! Its sad to say it because I like Vera, but after all the smack he talks and after his 2 lackluster performances, he should jump at the chance of facing a top #5 LHW. Instead he is fighting Reese? I cant really respect that!

Its no secret that opponents are terrorized of Machida. Not that they fear him in the sense that Machida will beat them up, but stylistically he is a nightmare for everyone. I too used to think he was boring but I am now starting to really appreciate a guy who makes everyone miss, and then comes back and tags u up! He is unique and that is a good thing. Machida is becoming more exciting. He was ultra agressive against Nakamura. He then finished Soko, and I thought his domination of Tito was very exciting. Of course I wish he had that 1 punch Ko ability, but I appreciate the skills he does have instead of the few that he lacks.

We could have gotten to see Vera vs. Machida, but “the Truth” chose Reese? THats messed up for the fans!

So far:
Chuck does not want to fight Machida
Vera does not want to fight Machida
Rampage’s camp said Machida would be their toughest opponent.

Is there anyone in the UFC who wants it with Loyoto “the dragon” Machida? Anyone at all?

IMO the best possible match up involving Machida is a fight that unfortunatley we will NEVER get to see:

Machida vs. Anderson Silva! U have any idea what a technical fight that would be with 2 contrasting styles. THe pin point accuracy of a Muy Tai attacking Silva vs. THe counter punching and elusive Karate striking Machida! THat would be some of the best footwork ever seen in an mma fight.

by john on Jun 20, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

John did you not see my post in a previous thread?

Here it is: -

Cut and Paste:

Looks like the UFC had originally explored the possibility of a Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva match up for UFC 88, but Silva has requested some time off until December.
"Here in Vegas the good things keep coming to me… I had already been sound out about my next bout. To begin with, I just want to fight again on December, because it will be the biggest event of the year and until there I will be ready again", said Wanderlei via his personal blog.

The UFC is pushing for Silva to be ready for their October pay-per-view however, and is offering Silva a match up with either Thiago Silva or Lyoto Machida, with Thiago Silva being the more likely of the two. Look for that match up to occur possibly as soon as the October PPV.

The UFC is having a difficult time finding an opponent for undefeated rising superstar Lyoto Machida. Dave Meltzer is reporting that Machida is viewed as a difficult and often boring match up.

It doesn’t mention Chuck was offered a fight with Lyoto. Have I missed it elsewhere?

Lyoto is skilled but his face doesn’t fit or should I say skills. Thats a shame because that is what we all profess to love. At the end of the day, as I have stated on numerous occasions, it’s $$$ that rule decisions and Lyoto is not entertainment for the buying public.

Fighters don’t want these guys for this reason.

Do you know any fighter that would accept a fight with Kalib Starnes? Obviously the answer is no. But this is not because they fear losing.

by Automation on Jun 20, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

John did you not see my post in a previous thread?

Here it is: -

Cut and Paste:

Looks like the UFC had originally explored the possibility of a Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva match up for UFC 88, but Silva has requested some time off until December.
"Here in Vegas the good things keep coming to me… I had already been sound out about my next bout. To begin with, I just want to fight again on December, because it will be the biggest event of the year and until there I will be ready again", said Wanderlei via his personal blog.

The UFC is pushing for Silva to be ready for their October pay-per-view however, and is offering Silva a match up with either Thiago Silva or Lyoto Machida, with Thiago Silva being the more likely of the two. Look for that match up to occur possibly as soon as the October PPV.

The UFC is having a difficult time finding an opponent for undefeated rising superstar Lyoto Machida. Dave Meltzer is reporting that Machida is viewed as a difficult and often boring match up.

It doesn’t mention Chuck was offered a fight with Lyoto. Have I missed it elsewhere?

Lyoto is skilled but his face doesn’t fit or should I say skills. Thats a shame because that is what we all profess to love. At the end of the day, as I have stated on numerous occasions, it’s $$$ that rule decisions and Lyoto is not entertainment for the buying public.

Fighters don’t want these guys for this reason.

Do you know any fighter that would accept a fight with Kalib Starnes? Obviously the answer is no. But this is not because they fear losing.

by Automation on Jun 20, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I caught it before. Its a shame that no one wants to fight Machida.

Nest Machida fight possible is: Machida vs. Anderson Silva, butt hey train together so it will probably never happen!

Wanderlei vs. THiago Silva is a brutal fight, and I would love to see it but not right now because I think THiago would beat Wanderlei, and I dont want anything to derail Rampage vs. Wandy 3. If THiago fights wandy, they will Bang it out for a little, but Ultimately THiago would take the fight to the ground and submit Wandy.

by john on Jun 21, 2008 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good call by vera

by jimmy v on Jun 20, 2008 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Smart move by Vera. 3 in a row looks bad on anyone.

by bostonmmajunkie on Jun 20, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah with back to back losses a boring fight with machida could not only be possible 3 in a row but the end of him in the ufc

by randy murders on Jun 20, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i still think vera should have stayed at h.w. with how thin that devision is compared to the long line at lhw.

by roy on Jun 20, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, but I don’t think we have seen the last of Vera at HW. For the same reason that Silva is not done at MW. This event is under special circumstances. After Vera’s last 2 defeats I believe he wants to prove he can still hang with the big boys at HW.

by bnf on Jun 20, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Totally. You shouldn’t go after a top undefeated fighter in a new weight class after losing 2 in a row.

by 8cott on Jun 20, 2008 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So fighting an unknown fighter makes it better for Vera? He’s going to redeem his 2 losses by turning down fights that can put him in the middle of the LHW division?

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he beats machida he is a the top of the 205 right away if you are a fighter you take any fight is not like they are asking him to do something un ordinary all they are asking him is to fight a guy that would be at his same weight class I dont agree with people not acceting fights (Karo).

by hk on Jun 20, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I for one don’t find Machida boring, i think that most people that think he’s boring should probably be watching bum fights or why don’t you go look up “kimbo slice” on youtube, since they obviously can’t appreciate a gifted mma fighter. Its fun watching Machida because his style is so different and effective.

by Macho Bullshit on Jun 20, 2008 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gifted mma fighters finish fights, or at least try to. Lyoto has finished 1 fight in the UFC. And it was 3 years after the previous time that he finished a fight…

I don’t mind so much when fights go to decision, as long as I think that the fighter that was winning tried to stop his opponent, but with Machida, I don’t get the sense that he wants to knock out or submit his opponents, he just seems to want to outpoint his opponents… That isn’t fighting!

I think they need to rework the scoring criteria to give a more points to fighters that actually try to end the fight, I don’t know how to do that, but maybe give many times more points for rocking an opponent than merely hitting an opponent, maybe more points for a near submission than for a take down… You get the idea, I don’t want taking it to the judges card to be an acceptable strategy for winning fights…

by tm2k on Jun 20, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i couldn’t aggree more….MMA decisions should be won by trying to actually KO or submit your opponent, NOT out-point them in a jab competition……i aggree machida is an excellent fighter, but he really does not try to “end” his fights

by The Hammer on Jun 20, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure he’s gifted. I don’t think anybody is arguing that he’s got skills, but they dude is boring bro. He refuses to engage. There used to be a yellow card system for fighters that refused to engage and back pedaled the entire fight. If that were so in the UFC, Machida would have the record for yellow cards.

Take down defense is one thing, but running away is another. He’s effective because he frustrates his opponents, but as a fan, he frustrates the hell out of me too. I don’t need to watch Kimbo or some guy with big punching power to be entertained. I just don’t like watching a guy run for 90 percent of a 15 minute fight and throw one punch or kick combos the other ten. He’s good at what he does, no question, but cmon bro, its BORING!

by tha spida on Jun 20, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“However, anything is possible, considering a two-fight losing streak and the prospect of fighting a super tough fight against an awkward guy like Machida”

Facing a guy of Machida’s level the first time you cut weight to make 205 probably isn’t a great idea.

by Mike C. on Jun 20, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

“Good call by Vera, Smart move” This is bullshit! What happened to all the hate about top fighters not getting tuneup fights? This is even weaker than making excuses on Veras part. What happened to the guy who came into the UFC saying he would hold the HW & LHW belts? Wandy had 2 losses and still took a fight with Chuck. Wheres Veras balls? Who the hell is Reese Andy? If Vera was going to be a pu$$y like this he should have stayed at HW.

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 5:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

After 2 losses i think you would rather get a couple of wins under your belt before fighting a nother top contender in Machida.. You talk about him being a pussy when he just fought 2 of the top fighters at HW. I think it was a smart move especially given the time left for training they will have .

by matthew on Jun 20, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Training has nothing to do with it, because both fighters will have the same amount of time. Theres alot of hate for Chuck fighting Rashad. Wheres the hate on this? Why should Vera get a tuneup fight? Machida would have been perfect, no power and no killer instict. And besides that, Machida is in the title picture with a few more fights. That would have put Vera very high in the LHW rankings. So why would Vera choose to fight someone that is not known?

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

fighting Machida is very risky! Vera is not getting a tuneup fight he is starting from the bottom of the food chain and trying to work his way up and get his confidence back. Training has something to do with it because a fighter who has lost 2 in a row would want to train as long as possible to beat that fighter and get back in the mix of things. He wont be able to do that fighting a extremely hard fighter to beat in Machidda. You cant hate the guy for turning it down.

by matthew on Jun 20, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats exactly what I mean, why start at the bottom when he could get in the middle with a win over Machida? Chuck took a fight with Wandy. Then he was going to fight Shogun. Why would a guy like Vera who has made alot of excuses like “I broke my hand, the Ref stopped the fight too early” turn this fight down? This fight could put him back in there, beating a guy with an undefeated record right?

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea how those excuses have anything to do with this. You dont really listen do you? He’s moving down and training 5 weeks for a fighter that is considered to be unbeatable at the moment…Would you take the fight with the possibility of losig and also thrown out of the ufc ala Cro Cop?

by matthew on Jun 20, 2008 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, call him a pu_ssy to his face man, The smart move is to not take on a crafty guy like machida on short notice, he should have a full camp to prepare for a guy like that, not to mention it’s his first time to cut to 205. You really sound like a badass typing on your computer calling someone a pussy, especially someone who would kill you with one punch.

by pitbull17 on Jun 20, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a response, it must be stuck in moderation.

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

SCAREDDDDDD

by ✰Pretty Boy✰ on Jun 20, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

whatever, I’m not thinking about Vera anyway

by Chadx23 on Jun 20, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t blame him for not wanting to fight Machida. Vera needs a win badly, and Machida is a difficult matchup because he won’t engage. A guy like Vera wants someone that will trade with him. Nobody wants to fight a guy that runs the entire fight while mixing in sporadic kicks and punches. The worst thing about Machida is that some people praise him for his style. Defensive fighting is one thing, but he takes it to a whole nother level. Its just not fun to watch. I can’t imagine Dana White wants him as the UFC light heavyweight champion. He does have it mastered though, and is proving to be pretty close to unbeatable, so a title shot is more than likely inevitable eventually. Its a lose lose for the fans. If he keeps winning, he’s going to keep trying to perfect his boring style and we’ll have a boring champ in one of the most exciting divisions there is(defense wins championships in football, not MMA.) With him as the champ more people are going to see that style working and they’ll try to incorporate that style into theirs. If he loses ever, then he’s going to be even more defensive his next time out. Bottom line is he’ll never be an exciting fighter to watch. Karate is for defending yourself, not trying to inflict damage, which is what MMA judges look for according to Dana White, “Who inflicts the most damage.” Borrrrrrrrring…but good. Thats not a money making combination for the UFC. I’d like to see Rampage or Shogun put a whooping on him, but I’d hate to see him fighting for a title.

by tha spida on Jun 20, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i agree. if Machida ever gets hold of that belt everyone will be like “man, f*ck it, i’m just gonna run around like Machida and try to score points. if HE can do it and have the belt then so can I!”

by Spawn on Jun 21, 2008 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, no reason for Vera to fight this guy, Machida is one of the best out there and Vera needs a win. He should have fought Irvin.

by wordpolice on Jun 20, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Machida supposedly being one of the best out there is the main reason Vera should take the fight. I thought Vera making excuses was lame, but this is just bullshit.

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your argument is bullshit. imagine yourself in Vera’s shoes and you lost 2 straight games. Would you risk losing a third fight and being thrown out by the ufc? NO i wouldnt think soo.

by matthew on Jun 20, 2008 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lay off the the excuses bullshit, he DID BREAK HIS HAND and the MORRON ref DID STOP THE FIGHT WAAAAAAAAAAAAY TO EARLY. Vera got ROBBED and he has every right to BITCH about it. Why should Vera say I lost fair and square,when that is bullshit. He was getting the better of Werdum before the mount and Werdum couldn’t hurt him. Once he started throwing his kicks in the 2nd, he would have KHTFO.

by Gord on Jun 21, 2008 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one wants to fight against someone who runs for 15 min.

by Vette on Jun 20, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I simply can’t understand when guys say that they don’t want to see Machida fight and all that. As far as I’m concerned Machida completely outclassed Ortiz on the ground. The only fighter who did that was the BEAST Randy Couture. Machida has shown amazing ground game (take a look at the sick submission of Rameau “very very very overrated” Soukoudjou). His standup is close to perfection. Why is that boring? I bet you guys would prefer Jon “Lunatic” Koppenhaver or even Bimbo Slice.

by Cristiano from Brazil on Jun 20, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What is fun to watch then? Guys with no technique? Bimbo Slice, Jon Koppenhaver? Machida has shown tremendous ground game (other than him, the only man to control Ortiz on the ground was Randy Couture – the best wrestler ever in the ufc). His standup is close to perfection. With the loss of Jardine, Machida deserves a title shot right away

by Cristiano from Brazil on Jun 20, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How did Machida control Tito on the ground? If Machida ever gets a title shot, it will be the most boring in UFC history.

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By allmost getting subbed.lol

by Gord on Jun 21, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many fighters did you see taking Tito down?

by Cristiano from Brazil on Jun 20, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really can’t stand when guys turn down fights because they are afraid to lose. It’s not like he is in contension at 205, what better way move up the ladder then if he beat a guy like Machida. True he would be an underdog in the fight, but what would be worse, him losing to Machida or losing to a relative unknow like Andy. A true fighter would fight anybody anywhere (BJ Penn, Wandy, A. Silva), now Vera is the 205 version of Karo (who ended up losing what he thought would be an easier fight).

by Haze on Jun 20, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Haze you forgot Chuck Liddell he took that fight with Wandy, after everybody was saying he was over. Vera should be looking to redeem his 2 losses and pound on Machida. But turning this fight down is even weaker than his excuses.

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

totally agree, those were just the first three guys that came to mind.

by Haze on Jun 20, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You guys were probably part of the group that hated on Bisping for accepting every fight.

Now you are bashing someone for not accepting a fight?

OK the calibre of fighters are different, but one rule for one, one rule for another.

by Automation on Jun 20, 2008 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are you talking about? You just assume that I hate on Bisping because of my opinion on Vera turning down the Machida fight? Seriously, your argument makes no sense at all, and BTW, I like Bisping.

by Haze on Jun 20, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Automation Im being fare. People jumped all over the Chuck/Rashad thread. And those same guys are ok with Vera fighting a nobody, instead of Machida. Does that make sense to you? Chuck gets alot of hate for fighting Rashad, even though he was going to fight Shogun. Chuck takes a very dangerous fight with Wandy after 2 losses. So again why should Vera not get hate for taking a fight with an unknown fighter?

by JV on Jun 20, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For whatever reason my response didn’t post, but I’ll sum it up, I like Bisping and your argument doesn’t make sense.

by Haze on Jun 20, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was responding to Haze’s first comment / sentence.

What is confusing you??

I was saying how you are bashing vera for deciding not to fight machida and probably bashing bisping for taking all his fights.

I was assuming and not directly saying you did bash bisping but was generalising for all others reading the post.

Basically, not directed at anybody, some people say its outright wrong to not accept a fight and some say its outright wrong to accept a fight. Which one is it? One rule for one and one rule for another

by Automation on Jun 21, 2008 4:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only guy Vera is afraid to get in the octagon with is Dan Miragliotta.

by Gord on Jun 21, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were Vera I would have turned that fight down too. Its not the case of being scared but common he just lost two fights in a row and he doesnt want to risk it and end up getting the boot by the ufc……….

not that Machida is a guy to be afraid of, yeah hes got skills but hes no Anderson Silva.

by Toad on Jun 20, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

For the record…
And I’m not sure if everyone’s heard of the guy, but a certain individual named Randy Couture also lost two heavyweight fights before moving down to light heavyweight to face none other than Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz…
And win.

Not that Vera is Couture.
But I’m just saying.
xD

by ShatteredDreams on Jun 20, 2008 6:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

it’s because Machida makes fights boring, that’s why Vera didn’t want to waste his time fighting him.

by Ro on Jun 20, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

get shane carwin or stephan bonnar or somebody to fight him in either 205 or 265 obviousl carwin wont make 205 but somebody will fight vera! good call not fighting machida 3 losses in a row looks bad

by the heat on Jun 20, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brandon “The Truth Will Hurt Me” Verrraaa!!!
Thanks for making me wait longer to see one
of my favorite fighters in action again Brandon…

by RipTheSystem on Jun 20, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

if the UFC wanted to give a bigger audience to Affliction than they would have pushed Vera to take on Machida, but since Machida is a fucking boring, evasive-douche nozzle the incentive to get that fight done was not very high. This UFC event is supposed to detract the attention from Affliction, not add!

by ajadoniz on Jun 20, 2008 7:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Big John McCarthy comment’s to the OC Register on the UFC-Affliction Mess.

"I mean, look at that fight. You got your middleweight champion (Anderson Silva), you’re moving up to light-heavyweight to fight James Irvin. What good does that do for him? I mean, (UFC president) Dana (White) feels … obviously he feels there is some competition there with Affliction. He wants to try to do something to damage Affliction. That’s why he is doing this. I look at it and it’s bad for the sport, it’s bad for the fans. There needs to be more than the one promotion."

"The UFC is the big one on the block. I would never say anything differently until anything really comes about. But to sit there and try to shove a show in on the same date to say come watch. It’s the same thing they did with the Chuck Liddell special (on Spike TV) the same night as the (EliteXC) fights on CBS. It’s like, come on. The sport is big enough to where there can be more than one. There needs to be more than one. The UFC has what 200 fighters signed or 250 fighters? You know what, there are a whole lot more fighters thana that in this world and they need jobs. So there needs to be the other promotions."

"Thank God, Affliction is doing what they are doing and putting together … honestly, I’m not saying it to say it, it is the best card with heavyweights that has ever been put together by any organization in, at least North America, and probably in the world ever. You’ve got three ex-UFC champions (Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett and Andre Arlovski). You’ve got the ex-PRIDE champion in Fedor (Emelianenko) and you have other guys. You have Matt Lindland, Vitor Belfort, Mike Whitehead against Renato ‘Babalu’ (Sobral). You’ve got some great fights there. It’s going to be a hell of a card. Go and watch the one live and TiVo the UFC show. That’s what I’m going to do. I will TiVo the UFC show."

by roy on Jun 20, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Normally I wouldn’t blame the fighter but in Brandon Vera’s case, he talks loads of trash and for him to back off of top competition after griping about how good he is is ludicrous.

by KneeToTheFace on Jun 20, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s his FIRST fight at LHW. He doesn’t know how he’s going to respond to all that weight cutting. I seriously respect his decision.

by Jon on Jun 20, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why would he sacrifice his win bonus by fighting an actual contender?

Nobody wants to fight Machida because he makes people look like assholes every time he steps in the ring.

Machida doesn’t make fights boring, he just does not put himself at risk and his opponent then does not either and he wins decisions.

It is smart and it is MMA, and people that want to just see two guys run head on at each other and swing wildly in a Jason Lambert-esque fashion, should go watch low budget boxing shows.

by DirtyML on Jun 20, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You mma fans are double standard hypocits! slagging of bisping for every little thing he does! but you have bums and cowards like this and you make reasons up for him! shame on you!

by Tony on Jun 20, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vera should be looking towards the winner of Herrring/ Lesnar, or Kongo, Gonzaga would be a good match up too.. I wish Arlovski didn’t leave. He already beat Mir, so if he can rack up a win or two before Nog/ Mir, he might get a shot.

by DirtbagHtr on Jun 20, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Machida IMO is a point fighter and I don’t mean that as a criticism…it’s just his “style”….it’s what he knows and obviously it works. I don’t know of anyone that “matches up” with Machida style wise. I am not a Vera fan but I really don’t blame him for not taking the fight.

by Borocker on Jun 20, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vera’s been found out and will soon be done in the ufc

by jakey on Jun 20, 2008 11:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Look back to the Silvia/vera fight…. I cant even imagine a Machida/Vera fight.

Although I beleive Machida would win. Hid fights are boring because his OPPONENTS are scared to come after him, not the other way around. No one gives credit to Machida. the goal is to win and not toreceive damage and he does a hell of a good job at it.

If Machida wanted to be a Houston Alexander and go in recklessy, then sure his fights would be exciting and he would probably be 6-6 instead of 12-0

by fightfan on Jun 20, 2008 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ps machida v machida – what would that be like?

by jakey on Jun 20, 2008 11:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t blame Vera. He probably wants to fight and not run a marathon like Machida does.

by xxbaxx816 on Jun 20, 2008 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t blame him I wouldnt want to lose again either.

by wANDFAN5454 on Jun 21, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He doesnt want to lose three times in a row.

by wANDFAN5454 on Jun 21, 2008 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

machida v machida would be the same as arona v machida

by wANDFAN5454 on Jun 21, 2008 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i am pleased to read Lyoto getting more props around here. Boring but great is his style. The guy is a shadow. Always around you, yet untouchable. Vera is a punk. True fighters fight anyone at anytime. Sucks. I think that fight would have really done damage to the already boring Affliction card. Once i saw what ever mullet band they have playing there that was it for me. Elite had a rapper, they get a mullet band. What a joke.

by raetsinner on Jun 21, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

if no one wants to fight this guy then you know what he needs to fight for the title next i think he has derved it with jardine losing he is next up

by bryant on Jun 21, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He refused the fight because he thought he would lose. Flat out.

by Harry Triangle on Jun 22, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would rather watch Machida’s skllfull display in the octogan then any of Sherks gay and pray performances. I think as with with Jardine,if the UFC want Machida out of title contention although I do think he next in line, they should match him with Silva. He is the only one that I can see giving Machida a problem. And if Chuck could not knock out Silva after all the punches he landed, then I cannot see Machida doing it. The UFC should have had Silva / Tito 2 and matched Machida with Jardine, but they definately wanted Jardine and Tito to lose, and matched the fights accordingly. It definately worked out well for them. Machida would beat Chuck, but Silva would be tough work or him.

by Ade on Jun 22, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

UFC needs to stop worrying about audience Boos. A good fight is a good fight and if you stop giving the audience WWF type shows, maybe they will learn to appreciate the finer aspects of the sport like most MMA fans already have. Watching Machida work is like admiring an artist while a work of art is being created rather than just admiring the work of art.

Vera turned it down because he has very little to gain and a lot to lose by fighting Machida. It’s just not smart. You can call him chicken like you did in the playground when you wanted to see a fight, but Vera knows this is not the fight he needs right now.

by Elvis P on Jun 26, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs