UFC Quick Quote: Patient Lyoto Machida gunning for Rashad Evans
by Jesse Holland on Feb 2, 2009 12:24 PM EST
Email
Print
"Thiago (Silva) is a great fighter, tough, was undefeated too, but my game was really well planned. We knew how he’d come and that was the result of our training. [Next] I’d like to fight with Rashad, but if it’s not possible I don’t pick another opponent. I’ll fight whoever comes. I might think (that I deserve a titleshot), but Dana is our boss and I’ll do whatever he says. It’s good for me because, when I get where I want, I’ll really deserve it".
– Undefeated light heavyweight contender Lyoto Machida talks to Tatame.com about his knockout win over previously undefeated master of carnage Thiago Silva at UFC 94 'St. Pierre vs. Penn 2' last Saturday night. "The Dragon" has six straight wins inside the Octagon and continues to improve with each performance. A title shot against Evans seemed likely, however UFC President Dana White has indicated that the winner of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine at UFC 96 will likely get the first crack at "Sugar." Is Machida getting overlooked for his methodical style, or does Jackson vs. Jardine produce the true number one contender? What say you?
162 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I don’t Rampage should of loss the title to Forrest.. I Knew Rashad was going to beat Forrest.. and Lyoto could beat all 3.
by PhilQNY on Feb 2, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions
Rampage deserved the rematch against Griffin. It should have been him and not Rashad getting that match for the title.
Regardless, Machida deserves the title shot after Rampage gets his chance.
by OJR on Feb 2, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Machida deserved a title shot before he destroyed Silva. Machida has won 6 in a row in the UFC. Evans and Machida are the only top ten LHWs who haven’t lost in their last three fights.
The winner of the Rampage vs. Jardine fight should get a rematch with Forrest to determine the number one contender to Evans or Machida.
by RealDrew on Feb 2, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you RealD… Page vs Jardine… Machida vs Rashad…my imo I would take the winner of Page/Jardine and have him fight the winner of Shogun vs Chuck.. ( hopefully Shogun/Page 2 ) Forrest has an injury I’m not sure how long he will be out..but without a doubt.. Machida vs Evans should take place soon. Machida deserves a title shot now.
by PhilQNY on Feb 2, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Respectfully disagree.
Page lost a split decision that was disputed by many “experts”.
That should have set up a rematch despite Page’s legal troubles.
Machida should be right behind Page. (And I am one of the few fans Machida had on this site before people started riding on his sack all of a sudden).
by OJR on Feb 2, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Page lost a unanimous decision, and honestly he lost that fight clearly. It wasn’t close and I hate Forrest.
by R/p on Feb 2, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
I’m unhappy with how the UFC has handled the LHW division. Forrest shouldn’t have gotten a title fight after beating a less then impressive Shogun. Machida and Page should have fought already, IMO.
I don’t know if Machida’s style has led to him being overlooked for a title shot, but to me he’s the obvious number one contender. His last three fights have been entertaining and he finished two of them. I’ve always respected Machida’s style.
by RealDrew on Feb 2, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
I oJR, i am going to have to agree with you! Rampage should have gotten an immediate rematch!
Rampage 1st, Machida…Next in line. Talent-wise Machida is very deserbing of a title shot, but the UFC has not lined him up with good enough opponents….To the point where they cant deny him. Soko, Tito, Silva very impressive. But not enough to jump rampage.
Best possible LHW title fight is Rampage vs. Machida anyway! Whoever fights for the belt is going to take the title from Rashad, so Machida vs. Rampage in a 5 round war is inevitable!
by john on Feb 2, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
your stupid guy u cant just say who ever fights rashad will take his belt i highly doubt that i woudlnt be surprised if evans is the guy to FUCK the shit outta machida and he could certainly beat rampage to Ko him just like chuck :)
by Gigantico on Feb 2, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
I am not that big of a Machida fan, and I am a noted HUGE Thiago Silva fan. But I was wrong, again, and had that fight gone to a 2nd round, Machida woulda had that 10-8. I thought before the fight that Machida would need one more win before a title fight, but screw that. Machida vs Shad! Make it happen! I’ve picked against Machida in all of his big fights (minus the Ortiz fight) and I’ve done the same to Shad. I guess now I HAVE to pick one to win, and it will be……. RASHAD EVANS!! And I will probably get that wrong too. But, unless I’m mistaken, Lyoto has never went against a Greg Jackson fighter, and Shad is the 2nd best to hail from that camp. War Shad! But Machida should def get a shot, and he has a very good chance of winning the belt, most notably because I pick against him!
by Synyster [[2009 Year of Gegard Mousasi]] on Feb 2, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Personally, only dominant champs who lose should get title shot only after one win like what happened to Matt Hughes. Rampage only defended his title once, so I don’t think he is a dominant champ and should wait in line. Only after winning Jardine should he get a title shot. Machida deserves it first.
by Chris W on Feb 2, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Machida should be ready to go again rather quickly and I think he would be willing to go in a little more than a month. Rather than calling Rampage-Jardine the headliner, put the LHW title as the main event. Outside of the fact that Machida is more than deserving, timewise it makes senes. Are you gonna put things on a shelf to say ‘Page/Jardine is the No.1 contenders match? If Jackson doesn’t win (like I think he is expected to), Jardine and Rashad have said they won’t fight each other due to their friendship. But if (when) Machida beats Rashad, you have an honest top contender to go regardless who wins.
That said, Rashad won’t take the fight that soon to go at 96 in March already. Just wishful thinking and hoping we don’t see the weightclass on hold……again.
by TheAnswer on Feb 2, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
Or at this point, maybe we could get lucky and Jardine will have to pull out of the fight injured (not wishing that on anyone of course) and Machida can step in as a replacement. That would erase any doubts about who’s next and we wouldn’t end up with things on hold forever.
by TheAnswer on Feb 2, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
I think there was the matter of a routine traffic stop (routine by southern California standards, I mean) that definitively kept Rampage from an immediate rematch.
by PW on Feb 2, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
Why does everyone want to see Machida and Rampage fight in a number one contender match? I would much rather have Machida fight Rashad and give Rampage the winner if he beats Jardine. Things are set up perfectly for that to happen. I don’t like number one contender matches because they always knock someone who’s on the verge of a title shot back down the totem pole and make you search for a next contender after the winner fights the champ. Besides, Rampage has only fought once since losing his title (albeit an impressive KO win), and it’s not like he was the longtime champ before getting beat by Griffin.
by GregC on Feb 3, 2009 1:34 AM EST up reply actions
I say scratch Jardine from UFC 96 and slip Machida in to fight Rampage… Machida didnt even get hit, he can be ready to go again in a couple months. Winner gets Rashad at UFC 100, done and done!!
by ---Caesar--- on Feb 2, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
OJR, whether Rampage deserved the shot over Rashad or not, they almost always have the champ who lost fight once and give the new champ one defense before a rematch. Rashad just played the role of spoiler. now i’m pretty sure Page is slated to fight Jardine next, so Machida gets a shot now, wins, and fights page for the title come summertime.
by Crowls on Feb 2, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
I completely agree. Rashad should defend the belt sooner rather than later, and given that Machida suffered zero damage vs. Silva, Evans vs. Machida should be booked for within the next 3-4 months.
Rampage deserves a shot to get the belt back, and should be first in line to fight the winner of Evans/Machida…..assuming of course he wins in the perplexing, idiotic match-up vs. Jardine.
Back to Machida, he is deserving the shot at the belt. He was impressive Saturday and has been really in all of his fights. I do think however T Silva was somewhat exposed Saturday. I’m not sure T Silva has proven yet he is a top shelf LHWT.
by CL on Feb 2, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with both of you. I don’t like having number one contender matches while the champ is waiting for a fight. Having Rashad wait to defend the belt until after Rampage fights Jardine would be ridiculous! People always complain about champs coaching on TUF because of the wait to defend the title, if Rampage gets the next shot it would be the same thing. Machida vs. Evans, book it.
by GregC on Feb 2, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, but after some kind of strange fights like the Rampage-Griffin, with some referees clearly sold to make Forrest win and an aparent injury in Rampage knee, I thing an instant rematch should be better. Not just for the fans, but for the sake of this sport.
by Tarao on Feb 2, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Tarao, Referees made Forrest win??? Gimme a break. Rampage not showing up mentally and perhaps physically prepared gave Forrest the win. No point deductions or curious standups contributed to the decision win. Maybe you mean Judges? But why would the UFC want Forrest to win that fight. Rampage is the most marketable guy they have. Don’t bring that weak sauce around here again. Watch some more fights, learn some things and come with real insight.
I suggest you watch the Forrest vs Shogun, and the Forrest vs Page fights again. Forrest won both fair and square. If you have a problem with a champion losing his belt in a fight that was so close that’s fine, but don’t come on here and pretend the fix was in. We all follow this sport very closely and will call u out every time.
by Crowls on Feb 2, 2009 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
the UFC wanted Forrest to win and it’s obvious.. just listen to Joe Rogan saying that Forrest was winning the fight when it was even, and that 2 of the judges scored the first rnd to Forrest must be one of the biggest jokes ever.. you don’t do that after the champ scores a knockdown and wins the round clearly! Forrest didn’t do anything except for hurting Rampage in the 2nd rnd with the legkicks.. I’d say Rampage won 1,3,4,5! and even if not the champ should be showed some respect and get the decision.. to be a champ you have to beat the champ!
by RoB on Feb 3, 2009 5:12 AM EST up reply actions
and you know why.. because they wanted Chuck to fight Forrest for the title b/c he doesn’t stand a chance in hell to beat Rampage.. and i was enjoying myself to the fullest when Rashad KFTO that mohawked Dana lover!
by RoB on Feb 3, 2009 5:14 AM EST up reply actions
thank you rob, that’s how you make a legit argument. I disagree with the idea that the fix was in. Judges are employees of the athletic commissions not the promotions. This brings us back to the problems with the current 10 point must scoring system. Fights are called in strange ways all the time that’s why it’s important not to let it go to the judges. I’m waiting on John’s article with his thoughts on this problem, hopefully it will be well put together and Mania will post it so we can all discuss it. I have no problem with ppl having a problem with the way that fight was scored, but i don’t believe for a second that it was Dana telling the judges to make Forrest win. If Rampage had finished Forrest in the first when he had him hurt, how was he going to make forrest win. Ref time out for illegal strike so he can recover….come on guys, conspiracy theories fly around here too much. There is a human factor in this sport with the refs/judges and mistakes will be made.
by Crowls on Feb 3, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
Right on !!!! Machida is awesom. Rashad better hope he doesn’t have to fight Lyoto so soon because he will lose. Lyoto will kick his ass. Machida will be champ soon
by Terry on Feb 2, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
You sound like most of the other doubters who thought that Rashad fighting Chuck was a waste of time and that Rashad had no chance and why are we even bothering to comment on this fight because we know that Chuck will win. We all know what happened next, highlight reel win for Rashad. I had Jardine and Rashad down to both beat Chuck and I have always been a fan of Machida and did not need to see him brawl like Leban to appreciate his skill or be entertained by him in the octaogan. I believe that Rashad would definately give him a some trouble as he is one of the most versatile fighters in that division with his striking and his wrestling (which he hasn’t even used much of late). Rashad is unpredicatable and very hard to read. You are not sure what he is going to do when he steps into the octagan, but all his gameplans have worked up until this point and I could see him giving Machida more trouble than anyone. It would definately be an interesting fight against fighters with very difficult styles.
by Ade on Feb 3, 2009 5:24 AM EST up reply actions
You are spot on Ade.
I think…in fact I’m sure Machida will beat Rashad, but it will be really tough. Rashad deserves big respect.
The other thing that will play into Lyotos hands against anyone will be the championship distance. 5 rounds will be perfect for him, giving him time to pick guys apart at his pace and not worry about a tight decision.
Rashad for me though is a very worthy champion.
by chuckmuchino on Feb 3, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
he deserves it now whats to debate either give him the title shot or a fight with rampage to determine who gets the title shot.
by roy on Feb 2, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions
Lyoto and Rampage will fight sooner or later – I pick later – for the title
by Anger Jack on Feb 2, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Machida should be next in line for a title shot. Sorry Rampage…
by TheEder on Feb 2, 2009 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Jackson/Machida needs to go next….if not Rashad will be on his ass for 6 months…I think ANY champ should have to defend his title 3 times a year (barring injury)….thats one reason (other than the fact that I’m a huge GSP fan) why I’m happy BJ doesn’t have to defend 2 belts
by McArthur on Feb 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions
Machida should get title shoot first. Period
Since he didn’t get hit once in last fight he will be ready to fight in 2 -3 months
Rampage vs Jardine doesn’t make sense to me
by lukasz on Feb 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions
I’ll be very curious to see what game plan the Jackson camp can come with to deal with Machida. I know a lot of you guys say Machida is boring but I like his fights. His technique is beautiful to watch. I’m interested to see how Rashad takes him on.
by DSmith on Feb 2, 2009 12:31 PM EST reply actions
Machida Def earned it. i see a fight him beating evans via UD. would love to see Machida/Liddell, even though it’s 2 counter fighters i beleive it would be a very exciting fight.
by Ted on Feb 2, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions
Machida will stop ‘Shad. he will pick him apart all night, but given it will be a 5 rd fight instead of 3, the damage will add up. ’Shad will gas from getting TD’s stuffed and b/c he throws hard punches alot. He’ll get tired, drop his hands and start throwing real sloppy punches, that’s when Machida takes him out.
by Crowls on Feb 2, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Crowls that is exactly how I see that fight going. Michida will be the next LHWT champ. and could keep that belt for a long time.
by Matt25 on Feb 2, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not a fan of Machida, but I feel he should either fight Rampage to see who fights Rashad next or just get Rashad next instead of getting the Okami treatment.
by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 2, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions
Well said, This guy Machida is fucking Bruce lee lol.
by Il Nino on Feb 2, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
He should get a shot at Rashad for sure, you cant say his last fight was boring. He rocked Silva twice and then KO’D him. Right now he is next for the title shot, its only fair, what else does Lyoto need to prove 14-0, convincing win!!!!!!
by Spyder on Feb 2, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions
I agree that Lyoto has nothing else to prove to earn his title shot. Funny UFC gave Brock a title shot after going 1-1.
by Lights Out on Feb 2, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
true! but at lease brock doesnt running around
by SluggerCitySoldier on Feb 2, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
And the award for Most Uneducated Post goes to….
by SkeletonKey on Feb 2, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
i also dont see how in the world Jardine is in the same sentence as title shot at this moment.
by Ted on Feb 2, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions
Jardine isn’t. I think Dana has even said as much that only Rampage is guaranteed a title shot if he wins.
by Woody on Feb 2, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
It’s really too bad we can’t see Machida/A. Silva. Now that would be a great fight!
by horny for mma on Feb 2, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions
Silva is over hyped and Machida would destroy him.
by MrFyer on Feb 2, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Overhyped?
Note to self: disregard anything MrFyer has to say.
by RealDrew on Feb 2, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, and Fedor and GSP suck too. BJ was never really that good, and Tito is the smartest man alive.
by Jeff on Feb 2, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
I think if anyone can give Anderson a fight its Lyoto.
by Spyder on Feb 2, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Machida vs Evans on 98 and Rampage takes on winner if he beats Jardine at 102 makes sense doesn’t it? I hope they don’t just hold Rashad until 100 to face Rampage. If Machida does not get a title shot, who is there really to face?
by Woody on Feb 2, 2009 12:36 PM EST reply actions
I’d say the winner of Rampage vs Jardine fight Lyoto to figure out who the true #1 contender is.
It’s strange…if Rampage wins, he deserves the #1 contender status, and a title fight. He came back from a close loss, beat Wanderlei, while Jardine is coming off a loss to Silva, and a pretty convincing one, at that. There’s also the fact that Jardine and Rashad are teammates. So what happens if Jardine wins? It’s sort of a waste…
I’d be pretty hard pressed to say that Jardine would deserve a title shot over Lyoto, should he beat Rampage. But obviously, he would deserve it. But other than a fight with Machida to determine true #1 contender status, what else is there to do?
It’s one of those situations where there are truly 3 deserving fighters to fight for the title. Rampage, Machida, and Jardine all deserve a crack at Rashad. Who deserves it first doesn’t really matter. Not to me, at least.
by Dredg XI on Feb 2, 2009 12:38 PM EST reply actions
There is no way that Jardine deserves to fight for a number ine contender spot.
by Jeff on Feb 2, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Now in a sense your correct jardine doesn’t deserve this fight but at the same time who in the lightheavyweight division can say they have beat two former champions I.E griffin liddell no one can say that and yeah he gets caught i.e alexander and silva but at the same time he’s hit or miss one fight he’s flawless game plan wise others he does this stupid angle punching that gets him rocked. for all you griffin nut huggers remember Jardine made Him CRY!! and there is no crying in mma no one remember that 6 hit combo that dropped him right off the radar then the ufc gave him a out of shape shogun and he deserved a title shot wtf. But no one would say that besides me back when the all mighty tuf winner came off a crying then beating a no name guy in ireland and a pathetic shogun to get a title shot now did they?
by tapsnapornapbjj on Feb 2, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
I can agree. However, I should have clarified, there is no way Jardine deserves a shot ahead of Lyoto.
by Jeff on Feb 2, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
The UFC is setting up a megacard for UFC 100. Silva will be nice and fresh for UFC 100. My UFC 100 predictions are possibly:
A. Silva vs. Okami
GSP vs. Alves
Penn vs. Florian
Evans vs. Machida
W. Silva vs. Franklin???
Couture vs. Big Nog
by horny for mma on Feb 2, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions
I just read on the sports illustrated website that BJ is thinking about retiring. It says he was thinking about doing it win or lose against St. Pierre. It also said they probably aren’t going to launch a complaint for the vasoline incident.
by jay on Feb 2, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody would question himself after taking a 20-minute beating like Penn just got. The agony of defeat will subside soon enough, and he’ll go back to 155.
by PW on Feb 2, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
Sounds great in theory, but I don’t want all the titles sitting at the same time after 100, but wow would that be a card!
by Woody on Feb 2, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Silva has leites up next and honestly i don’t see the Okami fight ever happening. Only fight I see him having at 185 is winner of Bisping/Hendo, and possibly Wandy. Wandy doesn’t make much sense to me, cuz silva will pick him apart. If he fights at 100 i see it being at 205.
by Crowls on Feb 2, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
UFC 100…
GSP vs Alves
Evans vs Machida
Rampage vs A. Silva
Wanderlei vs Marquardt
Nogueira vs Gonzaga
by ---Caesar--- on Feb 2, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
randy couture is making some more sh*tty movies so i dont know if he will be ready by then
by matt on Feb 2, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Machida earned his title shot but I like his attitude. Doesn’t complain, just beats everybody.
by bostonmmajunkie on Feb 2, 2009 12:48 PM EST reply actions
Jardine may have deserved a title shot after the Liddell fight, but coming off a loss to Waderlei, where he got his ass handed to him, should knock him further down the ladder. Machida deserves the title shot, then Rampage can be second in line after he KO’s Jardine in the first round.
by DaveO on Feb 2, 2009 12:49 PM EST reply actions
If Rampage or Jardine get that title shot it will be a shame. Lyoto Machida is so worthy of that shot its becoming a joke. He is 14-0 and has yet to break a sweat…DANA GIVE HIM THE TITLE SHOT!!!
by UFC NUT on Feb 2, 2009 12:51 PM EST reply actions
nate diaz was 7-0 in the ufc as was fitch and diaz never got a shot and fitch finally had gotten his, give him another tune up fight and let rampage have it
by randy murders on Feb 2, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Who should Lyoto “tune up” against? He is 14-0, what is left to prove for a title shot?
by Jeff on Feb 2, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
I love diaz and fitch but they are not in machidas class and if you cant see that you dont know what your talking about.. If anything Machida should fight rampage… That would make some sense.
by mike22 on Feb 2, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
As a hardcore mma a fight between Evans & machida would interest me greatly.
But a casual fan isn’t to buy the ppv for this
by Braveheart uk&roi on Feb 2, 2009 12:58 PM EST reply actions
if bj retires that will be so gay!!!!!!!!!!!
by The Philicutioner on Feb 2, 2009 12:59 PM EST reply actions
hes gonna be around awhile he just wants to hype his next fight
by randy murders on Feb 2, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Machida should be the next to fight for the title maybe Rampage gets the winner of that fight
by wayne on Feb 2, 2009 12:59 PM EST reply actions
Rashad should man up & fight both of them this year
by Anger Jack on Feb 2, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
no way! Rashad is going to hug that belt for as long as possible because he knows Rampage is no easy task, and Machida…he’s a whole nother animal. Machida is no touch! Sorry for Rashad, but hes got some TOUGH competition to defend against. Rashad WILL not hold the belt through RAMPAGE or Machida, if he does, I would be shocked…..
by Chadx23 on Feb 2, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
machida deserves the tittle shot. he’s undefeated dand 6-0 in the ufc against some tough fighters. the way he beat silva showed everyone that he is in another level compared to the rest of the 205ers. shit brock was 1-1 in the ufc and is now champ. either way whenever machida gets his chance he’s going to win the tittle.
by TRIKZ on Feb 2, 2009 1:00 PM EST reply actions
Gsp put a witchcraft spell on Bj Pierre is a witch kill him
Die witch!! LOL
by The Philicutioner on Feb 2, 2009 1:03 PM EST reply actions
Give Machida his shot. He should have got his shot before the whole Silva fight. This is bs that he is gettign the okami treatment.
by Ralphie on Feb 2, 2009 1:06 PM EST reply actions
oh ya…..how does jardine even get mentioned for a possible title shot?
by Ralphie on Feb 2, 2009 1:07 PM EST reply actions
I don’t see how Jardine is evening in the running for a title shot. I see the top three as Forrest, Rampage and Loyoto. If you must have a Rampage tuneup fight have him fight Loyoto and then have the winner fight Forrest who had a very close fight with Rashad. That, I believe, is the only way to see who is the true number one and eventually the champion. Go MIR!!!!
by Chief on Feb 2, 2009 1:10 PM EST reply actions
Lyoto should fight W. Silva in the mean time, Every top fighter he should fight every 3 to 4 months unless they are hurt.
Look at the Mir/Lesner fight, May 23rd. It should be at least a month before that. Most of the champs are only fighting two times a year.
I hope we don’t have to wait until UFC 100 to see GSP again.
by luke on Feb 2, 2009 1:10 PM EST reply actions
here is what i think…we should see what happens with the rampage vs. jardine fight and if rampage can win easliy and come out of the fight without any injuries and is willing to fight again quickly then i think he should get the shot as he is a better draw and more exciting,but if rampage isnt ready to fight a couple months after his upcoming fight say in june then i say give the shot to machida because i dont wanna see rashad only fight once this year because he is sitting out waiting for rampage to get healthly when machida is also deserving of a title shot. I also think rampage vs. evans would be a more exciting fight as i think rashad vs. machida would be alot of circling and dancing and not alot of fighting as both are primarily counter strikers and dont like to push the action.
by matt on Feb 2, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions
UFC should put Lyoto vs W. Silva on the May 23 card
Other then the Lesner/Mir fight the card isn’t that strong.
Does anyone know if W. Silva is hurt?
by luke on Feb 2, 2009 1:22 PM EST reply actions
not that strong eh?
Lesnar vs. Mir
Serra vs. Hughes
Edgar vs. Sherk
Irvin vs. Mcfredries (slugfest anyone?)
Houston Alexander vs. Andre Gusamo (either ko of the night or sub of the night)
Philippe Nover vs. Kyle Bradley
This card doesnt look weak to me
by matt on Feb 2, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
What reason does Machida need to take a step backwards and fight Silva? No reason at all apart from your veiwing pleasure.
by Ade on Feb 3, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
i guarantee you this fight takes place in britain, its not the huge draw the us fans like. i personally think its a great match up and really hope its in britain. after vall dana said not long ago that a title fight would take place in britain soon!!
by mo on Feb 2, 2009 1:27 PM EST reply actions
Off topic: Anybody know of an interview with Nate Diaz see how he feels on being dry humped and screwed out of a victory on saturday?
by SF on Feb 2, 2009 1:39 PM EST reply actions
I agree, I’m sick of Clay “The Tackler” Guida. What kind of martial art is form-tackling your opponent and holding them against the cage?
by Gankaho on Feb 2, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
how do you figure clay was just holding him down? He beat Diaz and was raing some blows.
by Ralphie on Feb 2, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
He didnt even tackle him… he hugged him against the cage! Diaz threw Guida way more than Guida took Diaz down. Terrible decision!
by ---Caesar--- on Feb 2, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
guida did no damage he just held diaz from behind he hardly ever got a takedown and he got dominated in the stand up game but i guess he was in control of the octagon
by matt on Feb 2, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve never denied that Machida has talent; but it took him 6 fights to finally come out with ONE that I actually found entertaining; I’m still not sold yet. It’ll probably be 2-3 more fights before I would start rooting for Machida assuming those fights turn out to be good showings; at the moment I’m still in limbo with this guy, just don’t care wether he wins/loses; fights/doesn’t.
by O damn he got caught on Feb 2, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions
who cares about machida when there is no video on Gono’s entrance, its unreal how no website has this anywhere. Ok I do agree he should get a title shot, but someone find this video its got to be funny
by Arod on Feb 2, 2009 1:42 PM EST reply actions
yes someone tell me who wandy will fight next, i dont care who he fights i will watch!
by jim jeffries on Feb 2, 2009 1:43 PM EST reply actions
Machida shouldve been lhw champ along time ago – before evans, before forrest
i really hope dana lets him destroy rashad.
by jerrolds on Feb 2, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions
I’m curious as to how Machida vs Rashad would look, they both like to counter; I have a feeling it would be two guys circling eachother with some clinching and a couple TD attempts from Rashad; probably won’t be the most exciting fight.
by O damn he got caught on Feb 2, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Rashad will finally be the guy NOT to chase Machida. The guys that run after him are playing right into his hands. He will have a tough time against Rashad!
by ---Caesar--- on Feb 2, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Just to remind everyone Jardine beat Vera. Now I’m not saying that means anything because it doesn’t! Everyone beats Vera. However, quit saying he just came off of a loss!!! White said Page would get a shot if he won. He never said anything about Jardine getting a shot. Machida will get his chance after Page!
by Timaholic on Feb 2, 2009 2:10 PM EST reply actions
a lot of people forget about Jardine’s win over Vera….CAUSE IT WAS A SHITTY FIGHT
by McArthur on Feb 2, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
When you really take a look at it, it’s unfair that Lyoto hasn’t gotten the title shot. Take a look at these guys. Rampage gets a title shot at Liddell when he beat Marvin Eastman. I understand that was a fight that Liddell wanted one fight in the UFC. Forrest dodged Lyoto and took on Rua in his UFC debut which was an advantage for Forrest because he can use his elbows. Instant title shot. Rashad had a draw with Tito Ortiz, beat Chuck Liddell who had lost 2 of his last 3 fights and got an instant title shot. I really don’t know what Lyoto has to do to get a title shot, probably take out Jardine, Forrest, Rampage, and the whole LHW division before he gets one. What it comes down to is marketablity and money. I quit watching boxing because it was ALL about money and sadly the UFC is turning out to be that way too. It’s not about fighting the best, it’s about selling PPV’s. I understand it’s a business but c’mon Lesnar getting a title shot at Randy after he beat the Texas Crazy Horse? Granted he won, but he didn’t deserve that title shot. I’m starting to dislike how the UFC is running things
by David on Feb 2, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions
They should let machida fight evans while jardine fights rampage n the winners fight eachother, cus if dana drags this on, the winner of liddell vs shogun will get a fight with forest n the winner of that will also be the #1 contender. How many contenders does dana need. He’s a moreon sometimes he knows machida deserves it but wpnt give it to him cus he doesn’t have a big fan base
by ftb2 on Feb 2, 2009 2:33 PM EST reply actions
pierre is a witch he put a spell on bj with his witch doctor
by The Philicutioner on Feb 2, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions
Man, didn’t I just read this garbage further up the thread. Give up Phildo, you’re not funny. Go home.
by SkeletonKey on Feb 2, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
Lyoto is a true martial artist. He started as a child. He did not get into mma when it became popular. He is undefeated and hasn’t even lost a round in the UFC. He beat Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva, Rich Franklin, BJ Penn, and 10 other guys and has never lost.
The UFC loses respect giving guys like Lesnar a title shot after going 1-1 in the UFC just because he sells tickets. Give Lyoto the shot and watch him become a star. Some will hate him for not fighting like a brawler but what he does takes true skill, hard work and trainning for years. If you wanna see a blood bath watch that stupid extreme arm wrestling crap. Skill like Manchida’s is up there with Fedor and Anderson Silva.
by hatteras on Feb 2, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions
Machida has done nothing but destroy everything in front of him, but I don’t think his next fight will be a title shot. The one afterwards, however, will.
by Sirchokemout on Feb 2, 2009 3:27 PM EST reply actions
why is everyone talking to rampage is just gonna destroy jardine…. if jardines showed us anything its that he can hang with and take out the best in the buissness im voting for keith to beat rampage just cuz know one thinks it will happen but know one thought he would beat chuck or forrest and he did and he just got caught with wandy…
by Gigantico on Feb 2, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions
keith has a chance in this but he is gonna have to fight the urge to try and mix it up with page, he needs to kick and move, page leaves his leg out there and if forest can jack it up, keith can take it off! forrest, chuck, first to fight H alexzander, wandy, vera, and now page, no one fights the leval of competition this guy does keith is the man! who’s next for him A.silva?
by Blazy J on Feb 2, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
crazy how many people jump on the Lyoto banwagon after he beat my boy thiago, who had a mental brakdown! but nothing taken away from machida. dana already said rampage, is first then lyoto, so why all the dabate? every one know’s Lyoto and shad will be like diago sanchez vs kos 2 (a horrable snoozer). so there hoping page will save the day because, page vs shad would be good, and page vs machida will be fun fight to. All of that being said i hope and pray lyoto never wins the belt, i still think he is boring fighter and if he has the belt he will be able to run all day, and the contender will HAVE to chase him and he will be champ forever (please lord never let this happen)
by Blazy J on Feb 2, 2009 3:39 PM EST reply actions
I love this crap argument. So a competitor with a technical prowess that simply exists beyond your understanding of martial arts, combined with phenomenal footwork, near-perfect striking accuracy, and the patience and composure to not simply swing for the fences and fight intelligently to win (which he has now done 6 times in the octagon), doesn’t deserve a shot at the title holder because stoner Blazy J and his equally simple-minded pack of Toughman Competition friends think Machida is boring?
Do you ever bother to further your knowledge of our sport in the chance that maybe, just maybe, you actually don’t know what the hell you’re talking about and sound like an idiot. Guys like Lytle, Houston Alexander, and Wandy (though he is my favorite fighter) will never get title shots. It ain’t cuz they’re not exciting to watch, either. It’s cuz they’re one dimensional and have terrible gameplans. The clearly uninformed statement of identifying Machida as a fighter who simply “runs all day” and that other fighters “HAVE to chase him” demonstrates you know less than you claim, and you won’t prove me wrong I’m sure.
I especially love how terrified you are that Machida might actually retain his title if he gets it too. Tell me, what achievement is it to secure a title belt if the title becomes a revolving door every few months. Personally, I think it diminishes its value when there’s a new champ every 90 days.
Now you got me praying you just f’in lose it when Machida gets the belt and go back to watching Iron Ring reality shows.
by SkeletonKey on Feb 2, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Beautifully said SkeletonKey.
It seems that every other “opinion” on MMA sites is from thrill seeking boneheads who have spent all day with their PS3 and need a latent anger release. Why not take up Martial Arts boys? You’ll then start to understand (although never fully) what a guy like Lyoto is about.
by chuckmuchino on Feb 3, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Machida is getting screwed! Its only time before he’s champ!
by ewa81 on Feb 2, 2009 3:51 PM EST reply actions
Machida got hit as many times as I did in that fight, NONE.
He could be ready next Tuesday to fight. Give him a shot, LM takes care of Rampage, takes care of Rashad too.
I am no fan of his style, but damn, the guy keeps winning, can’t deny the 0 after 14. and he isn’t fighting cream puffs
by The Slovak on Feb 2, 2009 3:56 PM EST reply actions
Machida deserves a title shot more than anyone else, period. But the UFC won’t give to him just yet, because I’m pretty sure they are saving the LHW title fight for UFC 100, which will be the biggest UFC event to date and Machida is not as popular as Rampage and will not sell so many PPV. I wouldn’t be surprised either if Liddell gets his title shot before Machida, assumig he can get past Shogun snf Jardine defeats Rampage. Just imagine, MMA biggest star fighting for the tilte before he retires on the UFC’s biggest card to date. I’m a huge fan of Machida and I hate how the UFC sometimes decides who deserves a title shot, but both options will be better, from a business point of view.
by Crsitiano from Brazil on Feb 2, 2009 3:57 PM EST reply actions
In my eye, Machida is already a champion and he doesn’t need the belt to prove that…
I mean look at the fight between Rashad vs Forrest, Rashad was rocked, he was in trouble at some point, Forrest was winning that fight…untill it when to the ground.
Has Machida ever been in trouble like that, the guy hasn’t even lost a round in the UFC.
and how does Ramgage deverse a shot over Machida?, Forrest beats him fair and square.
by Machida on Feb 2, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
wtf guys, did dana white not say that if rampage wins he gets the shot. if rampage loses lyoto gets a shot. seems pretty straightforward and means lyoto is getting his shot. and why waste too guys who both deserve to fight for the belt on a 1 contender match when they can both just fight for the belt
by Jared on Feb 2, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions
BOGUS! If anyone in 205 outside of Machida gets a title shot next it is a joke! This man is on a NASTY streak and has earned it before any of them!
by LTC on Feb 2, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions
We need to all say this to ourselves…WWJD…
What Would Junie Do?
by BrutalKnockout. on Feb 2, 2009 4:28 PM EST reply actions
This kinda sucks…..Machida deserves a shot. Why is Jardine even in the running, would he even fight Rashad if given the chance? They’re training partners out of the same camp, who’s gonna step aside and leave camp? This would be a major backfire for Dana if Jardine were to pull a victory out of his ass against Rampage. I think Machida has definitely earned a title shot, and we’ll need a Machida/Evans fight to be 5 rounds if we want assurance of a great fight. Machida/Evans for only 3 rounds has the potential to be a stinker, those two will need all 5 rounds for sure.
How’s this for a UFC 100 card:
Lesnar vs Mir
GSP vs Alves
Evans vs Machida
Penn vs Florian
A. Silva vs V. Silva
and if there’s room for 1 more fight:
Hughes vs Serra
I’d buy that card…..
by kg on Feb 2, 2009 4:30 PM EST reply actions
Machida deserves a shot…Lesnar gets a shot after 2 fights? This is marketability issue (ie Kongo).
by Wags on Feb 2, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions
Rashad is so queer. Lyoto should’ve gotten a title shot before him, but Rashad’s flashier wins got him there first. Rashad knocked out a Salmon with a kick to the fishhead.
1 vote for MACHIDA.
by The Terminator on Feb 2, 2009 5:10 PM EST reply actions
Now in a sense your correct jardine doesn’t deserve this fight but at the same time who in the lightheavyweight division can say they have beat two former champions I.E griffin liddell no one can say that and yeah he gets caught i.e alexander and silva but at the same time he’s hit or miss one fight he’s flawless game plan wise others he does this stupid angle punching that gets him rocked. for all you griffin nut huggers remember Jardine made Him CRY!! and there is no crying in mma no one remember that 6 hit combo that dropped him right off the radar then the ufc gave him a out of shape shogun and he deserved a title shot wtf. But no one would say that besides me back when the all mighty tuf winner came off a crying then beating a no name guy in ireland and a pathetic shogun to get a title shot now did they?
by tapsnapornapbjj on Feb 2, 2009 5:14 PM EST reply actions
Manchida can. He beat Tito a former champ he beat Franklin a former champ he beat BJ Penn a former champ he beat vernan white a former champ need I go on?
by hatteras on Feb 2, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
Screw Jardine he doesnt deserve a shot over machida. win one lose one, win one lose one. doesnt count for shit.
I woudnt bet on Jardine if the match was jardine vs jardine.
by kazanski13 on Feb 2, 2009 5:34 PM EST reply actions
Jardine is not getting a shot for crying out loud, if page wins he is, NOT JARDINE you guys are killing me, he needs to beat page, and one more opponet, then he will. For now its page if he wins, if jardine wins, all the new machida nut huggers will get there wish, and he will get the next shot! this inst that hard and was explained in the last ufc.
by Blazy J on Feb 2, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Jardine does not impress me. Chuck Liddell SHOULD HAVE knocked him out in the first round
by TERRY on Feb 2, 2009 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
The winner of Jardine vs. Jackson, gets a shot at the winner of Machida vs. Evans.
Way it should be.
IMO.
by Madnuts on Feb 2, 2009 6:08 PM EST reply actions
love this guy but i dont understand the UFC for once can ne 1 explain???
MAcida is a clear contender but so was Ramapge and now for sum reason Page is fighting Jardine. So if MAchida doesnt get the next crack at Rashad soon enough then somethings fucked up becasue then if Rampage won he wud be kept in limbo not being able to fight and get rusty which is the main thing which leads to him not performing.
I dont understadn why Rampage is nt fighting Rashad at UFC 98 but now that Rampage is fighting Jardine if MAchida doesnt get the title shot…its fuked up in the membrane.
Ramapge deserves the winner of Rashads nxt fight if he wins fuck this thought of him fighting the winner of shogun vs chuck.
Im still devastated though as once lyoto gets a title shot i cant see any1 even rampage my man beating him so Quinton may never get his title back.
In saying this i think Rashad has a great chance against Machida …hes a counter puncher
and can sum1 plz tell me y no1 will act as a counter puncher to machida ( as in back track and be stubborn so Machida has to go forward) to see if he can be beaten that way. No1 has tried it yet!
by Randy for Couture on Feb 2, 2009 6:12 PM EST reply actions
franklin, chuck, wandy, page, shogun, henderson, forrest, jardine are all proven great fighters who will always be a couple of wins away from a title shot. in any divison or company they choose.
by Blazy J on Feb 2, 2009 6:23 PM EST reply actions
Machida deserved the shot long ago, before Evans got the shot and before Forrest got the shot. Machida has beaten more quality opponents and is undefeated. Give him his damn title shot, already! I want to see him become champion so I can continually hear people whine about how boring he is because he actually uses strategy to win.
by Saint Gasoline on Feb 2, 2009 6:37 PM EST reply actions
WHY ARE THESE FIGHTERS THAT FIGHT MACHIDA SO FUCKING STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everybody in MMA knows how elusive Machida is. I sat there with the Tito fight screaming at my screen at TITO to stand in the middle of the god damn fucking ring and tell machida to come to him. I figured for sure that Thiago would finally be the first fighter TO NOT CHASE THIS FUCKING GUY!! WHAT THE FUCK!!! ITs so fuckin frustrating. Thiago got knocked down what 3 times and KEPT CHASING!!! FUCKIN IDIOTS!!!!!! Stand in the god damn middle of the fuckin ring and let him come after you. YOU be the one counter punching. YOU be the one backing up and striking. Obviously this fuking dragon fuck wants you to chase him SO WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU CHASING HIM!!! WHY? FUCKING IDIOTS!! God it makes me so damn frustrated. EVANS SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING FIGHT FOR MACHIDA. Both fighters back up and dont like to strike unless they are countering so there should be a total of 0 punches in the first round. Or at least until somebody chases. THE NEXT DAMN FIGHTER THAT FIGHTS MACHIDA WHOEVER THE FUCK IT IS BETTER STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING RING AND SAY “COME TO ME YOU FUCK”. THATS ALL YOU HAVE TO DO. QUIT FUCKING CHASING AND GETTING YOUR ASS BEAT YOU FUCKIN IDIOTS.
by STUNNALATOR on Feb 2, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions
Well STUNNALATOR you seem a LITTLE tense. When Michida strikes he moves in and out, he is constantly moving so even if you let him com to you and try to counter he has already moved back out of range. It would take a fighter with great timing, someone like A. Silva, to really take Machida out. Im not sure if there is a striker at 205 that can beat Machida on his feet. Now getting him on the ground is a completely diferant matter and to me could be the most effective way to beat Machida. But even then expect to eat a few trying to get him on the ground.
by Matt25 on Feb 2, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
Kids, this is what steroid abuse does to your blogging. Take note.
by SkeletonKey on Feb 2, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
Stunnalator…calm down…calm down.
Life just isnt that simple my young friend.
I know it seems like you have all the answers…but one day..when you meet a nice young lady (dont cuss like that around her, she will go away) and get laid for the first time you will realise that their are subtleties to life….and indeed MMA….such as lateral movement, octagon/ring generalship, speed of thought, use of range, and simply class.
Thses are the reasons Machida is 14-0. Not because every guy that has fought him has run at him like Usain Bolt.
by chuckmuchino on Feb 3, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
Machida should get his title shot – I hope Dana and Jo Silva get their heads out of their asses!
by DownUnder on Feb 2, 2009 8:11 PM EST reply actions
If they do that he kicks them because he has great kicks and long reach. he will circle the guy and kick them the entire round. when they try to strike bcak he moves and punches them. It is called karate. It is the martial art GSP started out in too. Only Manchida also has a blackbelt in jiu jitsu.
by hatteras on Feb 2, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MACHIDA FIGHT FEDOR SOMEDAY!
by mad_drummer on Feb 3, 2009 1:53 AM EST reply actions
Machida deserves the shot, but the guy is so humble he even sees the positive side of waiting. But its all irrelevant really because he is going to clean up the division.
Jardine is 2 leagues below. Chuck is too old. Rampage is too one dimensional. Forrest is tough but not tough enough. Rashad is fit, improving, confident, fast and has a solid chin, but he will also get beat.
I’ve been watching MMA for 15 years now and have had less respect for Karate as an effective fighting system than other martial arts, but this guy is something else.
He brings top level Karate combined with Jui Jitsu credentials and one of the best and most unusual takedown defences I’ve ever seen. While most fighters are taught to sprawl he stands tall as long as possible and uses the other guys force against him, almost like Aikido to knock him off balance.
He also has perfected the art of inside and outside leg trips once again without losing his shape.
All this coupled with quick relflexes, fast hands and feet, great lateral movement, a cool head, intelligence and a big frame for a LHW.
These people that post “hes boring” etc are obviously Phil Baroni fans or something. They are so desperate to see blood and anger that they missing the point.
Martial arts is about being in total control. Machida, so far, seems to have perfected that and I dont see it changing.
A. Silva has it also but that is no suprise since they are training partners.
Maybe a LHW super wrestler similar to Matt Hughes or Captain America will emerge, but for the next couple of years at least, the Light Heavy division will be owned by Lyoto Machida.
by chuckmuchino on Feb 3, 2009 5:39 PM EST reply actions
Holy shit, thank you chuck for a comment that actually makes sense on this thread. Well spoken, and I agree 100%. What’s a sport gotta do to get a few more fans like this around?
Well said.
by SkeletonKey on Feb 4, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
I really like Machidas fighting style. I can’t wait to see him fight for the title.
by E. Fairway on Feb 4, 2009 10:12 AM EST reply actions
i cant help but make the comparison between floyd mayweather and lyoto machida. Technically flawless, yet seen as boring by the general public. Machida sticks to his game better than anyone in the business, but unless the guy hes fighting is making mistakes the fights going the distance.Simply put the guys deaf to boos, and hes more than happy to fight to a boring decision; albeit a flawless performance. This can make for a frusterating fight for the viewers and subsequently agrovating for dana white. The fact of the matter is that regardless of how good machida is(which i believe is in the the p4p top5), he has a fighting style that requires an immense knowledge and appreciation of mma too really appreciate(and at times also jobe like patience), he’s also quiet and respectful. Long story short this guy sells fights to guys that were buying the ppv’s anyways, not to the casual fans.
by guest on Feb 6, 2009 5:21 AM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
