Thiago Silva: Lyoto Machida 'runs more than he fights'

by MMAmania.com on Dec 8, 2008 9:38 AM EST

Quoteworthy:

"The opponents who have faced him attacked and stopped; I’ll have a different gameplan. I want to see how he deals with someone who’s in very good shape and attacks him for five minutes over three rounds. I’m not underestimating him. He’s a great fighter, but I’d bet on me. I’m not here to joke around. I have my goals, and I’m ready to beat Lyoto.... It will be a knockout in the first round ... there aren’t any of his fights I really like. Lyoto’s a fighter who runs more than he fights. He’s not a fighter who will knock me out easily. He scores points, and I’ll make it hard for him to score. I already faced the toughest fighters. I believe it will be more of a psychological fight than a physical fight for me."

Thiago Silva -- who is certainly not short on confidence -- is already beating his war drum several weeks out from his clash with fellow unbeaten light heavyweight Lyoto Machida at UFC 94: "St. Pierre vs. Penn 2" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 31. Perhaps it's part of his pre-fight plan to rattle the cage of the "ghostly" Brazilian and get him to engage more often on fight night. Will Machida take the bait or will it be more of the same?

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Comments

Silva literally needs to bum rush him

by MikeD on Dec 8, 2008 9:52 AM EST reply actions

I agree, but it sounds like he has a plan! i really hope silva wins this fight! I’m not ignorant to the point that I don’t recognize machida’s talent, but I really don’t like his style. I hope silva comes in a ko’s him It should be a good fight either way!

by kevin on Dec 8, 2008 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

See kevin and this is exactly what I am talking about… people like you and I make comments like this where we say its not that we think he is a bad fighter we just don’t like his style and want to see him get beat and the next thing you know theres 9 people telling us we just dont understand and we are ignorant.

by sp00ner1234 on Dec 8, 2008 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

there are a lot of machida fans out there, I for one am not! I don’t get or like his style! Yes he wins, but look where that’s getting him, he should have been up for a title shot last year, but no one cares! I agree, we’ll be called names, and it does happen quite a bit, call someone out, in the same sentence say you respect them as a fighter, and people only see the negative comment! it is what it is buddy!

by kevin on Dec 8, 2008 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

Flamidy flame flame!!!

by MMACrossfire on Dec 8, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone know the odds for the Yoshida/Koschek fight?

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Yoshida will beat Kos, and I cant wait to win money by betting on yoshida. This is Kos’s last UFC fight, I look forward to seeing him leave with an L!

by john on Dec 8, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

I think many of us don’t necessarily like his style, but it’s still interesting as hell. That’s what makes this fight so exciting, to see if someone can beat Machida!

by MikeD on Dec 8, 2008 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

is this true john? is it a definate fact that its kos’ last fight in the ufc?

tbh i dont see a way yoshida can win …. its gotta be kos ftw

by ufcaddict on Dec 8, 2008 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

Koscheck doesn’t want to sign the lisence agreement for the video game. He said he has no plans to sign it either, so see ya douche. He will never be a UFC champ and knows it, he knows they will kick his a$$ out just like Fitch, so he has an excuse to get out of his contract. He can go fight in XC when it is resurected.

by BNF on Dec 8, 2008 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Well he could go to Proelite if the rumors, that Ecko is buying them, is true. Either ways, Yoshida takes this by decision or GNP. Most of the fight will be dirty boxing up against the cage and defending TKDs.

by NameNotRequired on Dec 8, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

okay thx for the info

by ufcaddict on Dec 8, 2008 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

yeah its his last fight! Put it to you this way. Every other UFC fighter from AKA has resolved the licensing problem. Fitch is back, Cain said he isnt going anywhere, but AKA reps are basically saying Kos is done with the UFC, win or lose. of course its not a definite, and the situatiopn could change (if Lorenzo) becomes involved, but as of now…I think this is the last we see of Josh Koschek! Dont let the door hit you where the good lord split you!

by john on Dec 8, 2008 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

I have never liked Koscheck but I was do acknowledge his skills as a fighter and was very impressed with his performance against Alves. I give him credit for being a fighter who has finally had enough of bending over and touching his toes for the UFC. I enjoy watching Machida fight as much as I do any other top fighter in the UFC. I really do appreciate the skill involved in managing to inflict damage to your opponent without taking any punishment himself. It is really quite impressive to watch how bad he makes his opponents look. The Octogan is not a mile around he really does not have that far to go inside of it but for all there skill and years of training his opponents look like they have never fought in their lives. He does not bore me in the slightest. I admit you do not get the action of Leban or GSP who are completely different fighters but tend to put a crowd pleasing show. But I do find Machida entertaining to watch even though his fights are not action packed. I defiantely prefer to watch Machida fighting where his opponents do have a chance of knocking him out if they had the balls of Wandy and just steamed into him, than watching Tito or Sherk who’s opponnents have relitively no chance of winning beacause they are being laid on top of for most of the fight. Machida’s opponents are never laid on top of so that they are unable to do anything. Every one agrees on what an action packed fight is but it seems peoples views are diffrent on what they find entertaining. I find Machidas style entertaining but I never really Liked Titos or the old Sean Sherk. Each to his own.

by Ade on Dec 9, 2008 8:15 AM EST up reply actions

so this is going to be a track meet? cause machida does the same only at the end of rds he fights

machida by UD

by mikeybear on Dec 8, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

I am not going to sit here and pretend like I have any clue as to who will win this fight! I just have NO IDEA!!!! All i know is that I am looking forward to this fight just as much as all the other great match ups of 2009.

This is going to be a good one!

by john on Dec 8, 2008 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

Thiago.. is a beast.. granted.

Thiago.. is a beast.. granted.And has formulated a plot to beat Lyoto.. and he made some good points.

Thiago.. is a beast.. granted.And has formulated a plot to beat Lyoto.. and he made some good points.This is my theory.. it’s not how it looks like.. it’s how it feels.. Thiago really will not have any idea.. of what to expect till he is in there with Lyoto.. to add. .in Thiago’s last fight against UFC newBee Antonio Mendes.. he was almost out of the fight. .till Mendes.. tried to judo trhow him.. and take him to the ground.. I think Thaigo may run into something hard and fast.. as he is stalking Lyoto.. Lyoto wants him to do exactly that.. fighters attack and stoped.. cuz Lyoto is so elusive.. on the ground Lyoto is a Black in JiiJitsu.. trains with the MW Champ Silva.. Lyoto will not be surprise by any ground attack Thiago offers.. vice versa.. but standing.. in the striking realm.. Lyoto’s style will be a problem for Thiago.. I think Thiago will be a Champ.. one day.. but I feel.. it’s Lyoto’s time now.

by PhilQNY on Dec 8, 2008 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

what if silva threw 1 punch, ran the rest of the round? he’d have the 1 punch and octagon control right. he wouldn’t have a job, but would have a win?

by kevin on Dec 8, 2008 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

Dana wants Machida to lose…he does not care how boring it is just as long as Lyoto gets no title shot…fighting for points just might be the answer for Silva here

by McArthur on Dec 8, 2008 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

I have no doubt in my mind that Machida will win this. He has never been in trouble in any of his fights. Even the Tito triangle didnt seem to phaze him. On the other hand Mendez was about 2 seconds away from giving Thiago his first loss. I expect a Machida 2nd round TKO.

by c-war on Dec 8, 2008 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

lyoto is the man. i am not a fan of his, but you have to love his technique. i have been doing martial arts my whole life, this guy is for real. no one sees him coming. he doesnt run, he moves back enough so that his opponent misses by inches and he goes right in and takes his shot. his timing is incredible, his karate punches come from his hip like karate and still manages to get the better of the most elusive mma competitors. you guys hate on his style cause you want to see him going for it and getting knock out, but he is the man. anyone that beats rich franklyn, and all the other top mma guys deserves respect. thats not running thats technique. plain and simply. you know how hard and how much good conditioning it takes to get away from those top mma guys and he does it nice and easy. “you go lyoto keep your strategy and keep your record undefeated” love to watch you fight. from nyc..

by Mo on Dec 27, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

he’s gonna be in for a very rude awakening, this strategy plays right into lyoto’s gameplan.

I expect Lyoto to TKO him in the 2nd round if this indeed is his gameplan.

by bob jones on Dec 8, 2008 9:55 AM EST reply actions

I think Thiago’s right here. Guys typically do try to rush Machida, and then give up when he moves out of range. I think Thiago will be relentless and if he can attack by cutting off his angle of retreat then he can execute his gameplan. That’s much easier said than done because Machida is a master of using angles and circling to the side so his opponents can’t just come straight ahead. Additionally, if Thiago does attack the way he says he will then he’s playing into his own strengths so we’ll see who’s style is more effective in this fight.

by GregC on Dec 8, 2008 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Not too sure about this strategy, even if its just a jab, if you run right into it it could drop you, Machida’s an excellent finesse fighter, but I bet he gets uncomfortable in a brawl, if Thiago could put his back against the fence and force him into 1 or 2 wild exchanges it’s anybody’s fight; I think if Thiago could get the fight to the ground he might be able to grind this one out.

by O damn he got caught on Dec 8, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

Agree 100% i said it weeks ago this as Machida win by tko all over it.

by Thebending on Dec 8, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

I think attacking a guy like Machida, no matter how relentlessly, is a mistake. I think the trick is to draw him into you, and fight his kind of fight. Chuck Liddell used to make people chase him, and as soon as they stopped(starting with Rampage, then Jardine, then Raschad), he stopped winning. Same can be said for Florian’s striking style now. Anderson is a little bit similar, except he’s got devastating KO power to go with it. The elusive style is frustrating to a guy who likes to attack, and it tends to cause guys to overcommit, and then they get caught.

by --utaptout-- on Dec 8, 2008 9:57 AM EST reply actions

I can’t wait to see this fight. I have a strong feeling Lyoto is going to dismantle Thiago. His aggresiveness will be his demise.

by PACO on Dec 8, 2008 9:59 AM EST reply actions

Good luck Thiago. I think I’d prefer it if you won, but you’re going to need your best night against Mr. Elusive himself.

by Graham on Dec 8, 2008 10:15 AM EST reply actions

this quote is obviously an attempt to bait Machida

by McArthur on Dec 8, 2008 10:32 AM EST reply actions

Love Thiago – he’ll make this an interesting fight on his own. Thiago (outside of mmamania) is the most under-rated fighter out there. Long history of good camps that he has learned and trained from.

by Darryl Foy on Dec 8, 2008 10:36 AM EST reply actions

Put your running shoes on Thiago ’cause Lyoto already has his laced up!

by JimmieGreens on Dec 8, 2008 10:37 AM EST reply actions

I hope tiago puts on a great show for all who can’t wait for someone to beat up Machida! I just don’t want him to get cought on his way in. I’m not machidas biggest fan. I look forward to his fights more to see if he’ll lose, although I do see him as an unbelieveable fighter.

by allamerican on Dec 8, 2008 10:43 AM EST reply actions

hey allamerican, what r you doing on here today? computer still down? hey, there’s a new episode of hannah montana tonight, you watchin it? lmao!! did you go to the daiquiri deck yet?

by kevin on Dec 8, 2008 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

Ohhh hanna Montana!!! That’s my favorite! Still waiting for the computer. I have full Internet access from my cell so that’s what I’ve been using. It’s good enough. I don’t write too much but I’m listening to all u fockers!

by allamerican on Dec 8, 2008 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

Silva needs to throw caution to the wind and go straight at Lyoto. If he does anything less, he’ll suffer the same fate as the rest.

I predict Silva by KO….first round.

by introvert on Dec 8, 2008 10:46 AM EST reply actions

I dont think so. He gets his props and he should, he is an amazingly talented fighter. However with statements like “I have already fought the toughest fighters?” Care to name them Thiago. He hasnt been hand fed victories or anything, but who has he fought, that is a bigger test than Machida?

by LOKIE on Dec 8, 2008 10:48 AM EST reply actions

I agree. It’s hard to take some of the stuff he says from the original article seriously. The fact that he calls Houston Alexander a tougher fighter than Machida makes it obvious to me that he’s just trying to play head games with The Dragon.

by Jase on Dec 8, 2008 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

SILVA YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT ……now go and take a shit

by slik on Dec 8, 2008 10:55 AM EST reply actions

wow….. shouldn’t you be in school?

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 8, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

No matter what this is going to be a good fight,I would love to see if Thiago can catch him,but I just think he will walk right in to hip toss like he did to Tito in the first round.I believe that everybody comes in with the same gameplan,but when they actually fight Machida,they just are not comfortable with his style to actually implement it.

by Scott on Dec 8, 2008 10:57 AM EST reply actions

Why does everyone think rushing him is the best option? Please tell me? All he needs to do is play like Rashad did against Chuck. Make him come forward and he is beatable.

by yoda on Dec 8, 2008 11:26 AM EST reply actions

Thiago via 1st round KO over Lyoto Starnes!!

by Slam City on Dec 8, 2008 11:32 AM EST reply actions

damn a lot of machida lovers in here…..anyways i think he is a good fighter with boring style, i rather thiago win!!

by William Blake on Dec 8, 2008 11:33 AM EST reply actions

I guess Thiago Silva wasn’t paying attention to what happened to Tito Ortiz when he tried rushing Machida.

On the other hand, trying to stay close and pressure Machida might very well be the best shot he has at winning… but that’s still not much of a strategy.

I want to see Machida fight a quick, precise, highly technical striker, someone who has the ability to beat him at his own game. I like watching Machida fight, but I want to see what he’d do when things don’t go according to plan.

by MattNY on Dec 8, 2008 11:50 AM EST reply actions

anderson silvaaaa. damn it i hope lyoto bang the wife of anderson so this fight can happen haha

by JoW on Dec 8, 2008 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

good luck with that

by Harry Triangle on Dec 8, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply actions

Since they first announced the fight (seems like ages) I predicted Thiago, he is going to win.

by JonnyBoy on Dec 8, 2008 2:05 PM EST reply actions

Whenever people do rush Machida and get in close, the fight tends to go to the ground. See Sokoudjou and Nakamura. They have had the most success of pressuring Machida lately, and in the end, he took it to the ground and neutralized them.

Will that be a smart strategy against Thiago? Maybe not.

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned that Thiago probably isn’t fleet-footed enough to actually catch Machida. Unless his footwork has improved a lot, I don’t see him pulling that strategy off.

by Space on Dec 8, 2008 2:16 PM EST reply actions

These mind games won’t work on machida silva,keep saying he runs and all that shit, machida will stick to his gameplan no matter what you say,so take your a$$ whoopin like a man and shut up.

by LG on Dec 8, 2008 2:48 PM EST reply actions

So what if Machida wins?? It’s time to finish in a big way, out of his last 5 fights he’s only finished one guy. Even the hardcore fans are divided about wether or not they care to see him fight; I don’t think the casual fan knows/cares who Machida is at this point. It can’t feel good to be undefeated win a fight and get boo’d. I don’t know who’s going to win or how this is gonna go, but one statement Silva makes that I agree with is “… there aren’t any of his fights I really like.”

by O damn he got caught on Dec 8, 2008 3:30 PM EST up reply actions

Well the UFC was started and based on finding the best fighting style. I will agree that it isnt all that exciting to watch Machida fight, because of his style… But, personally, I feel that his style is the best style when it comes to being in a fight. He messes people up and never really takes any damage at all. We will just have to see how it plays out in the cage. I hope to see him keep messing people up. I hope to see A. Silva do the same thing. I used to want to see him get knocked out, but I dont feel that way any longer. They both seem to have the best styles out there.

by enzo-enormous on Dec 8, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

make that 6, and the one he finished could probably be finished by every lhw.

by dorobikoy on Dec 8, 2008 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

great fight i am pretty sure that thiago will make this fight really entertaining but at the end machida will win this fight no doubt……..i want to see a. silva vs lyoto biggest test por anderson…. but never happen, i hate this partnership love lately

by JoW on Dec 8, 2008 5:49 PM EST reply actions

what? machida runs more than he fights? hahaha, machida fans will just say “thiago silva knows nothing about mma!!!”

by dorobikoy on Dec 8, 2008 6:58 PM EST reply actions

This fight is going to be amazing! I can not wait. I to hope that Silva wins and I dont really think there is a clear cut favourite. If Machida wins though, I think it will be by TKO … just like he did Franklin.

by DownUnder on Dec 8, 2008 7:27 PM EST reply actions

Honestly Thiago is a beast i think Thiago he is going to be the first to beat Lyoto

by #1 P4P Anderson Silva on Dec 8, 2008 8:35 PM EST reply actions

Machida and Silva are both 13-0. You don’t get there without heart, talent, and hard work. Lots of guys on lots of blogs talk about Machida running, but so far, he runs into the win column, whether or not you appreciate his style. Silva has lots of knockouts, but mostly against local Brazilian guys we’ve never heard of. I see Silva being a tough test for Machida, but Machida has all the tools to avoid the power punch, outscore Thiago, and walk once again into the winner’s circle. Next stop, light heavy weight championship against either Griffin or Evans…

by mu_shin on Dec 10, 2008 3:37 AM EST reply actions

I have been looking forward to this fight when they first announced it (before it was canceled.) A 13-0 Brazilian against a 13-0 Brazilian, both having BJJ black belts. Machida most definitely will want to keep this standing where I think he has the advantage. On the ground, this advantage is negated. Not that I don’t think he isn’t good on the ground, but why give up your advantage. In his five fights, Machida hasn’t knocked out anybody in the UFC; to say he will knock out a guy who was raised in Chutebox makes me laugh out loud. If Drwal didn’t knock out Silva with all those hits (Drwal hit him a LOT during their fight), I have a hard time believing Machida is going to be more successful. Then again, anything can happen. Silva is young, confident, and aggressive but his stand up isn’t nearly at the level of Machida. Mendez showed everyone how quickly Silva recovers and turns the tide; this is one tough, tough SOB!! In the end, I hope to see Silva win this fight. What I want and what will happen are two different things. If I had to bet, I would say Machida by decision.

by Brian on Dec 16, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions