Lyoto Machida to replace Quinton Jackson against Rashad Evans at UFC 98 on May 23
by Jesse Holland on Mar 11, 2009 1:42 PM EDT
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UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans (13-0-1) will defend his crown against undefeated 205-pound division contender Lyoto Machida (14-0) in the main event of UFC 98 from The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, May 23, 2009 according to SI.com.
UFC 98: "Identity Crisis," was originally headlined by Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, who were set to collide in a heavyweight title unification bout until Mir was forced to bow out with a knee injury that required minor surgery.
Mir and Lesnar are now scheduled for fisticuffs at UFC 100 on July 11.
The main event was quickly (and awkwardly) changed to Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans during the UFC 96 broadcast on March 8. "Rampage" defeated Evans' teammate Keith Jardine via unanimous decision and had a nice war of words with "Sugar" following the bout, but appeared lukewarm to the idea of competing just over two months after his scrap with "The Dean of Mean."
Now it appears nagging injuries and a brutal training camp have left Jackson -- who would have competed three times in the span of five months -- a little worse for the wear, and he's now opted to settle for the title of number one contender with a guaranteed shot at the winner of Evans vs. Machida at some point in late 2009.
"The Dragon" has been patiently waiting for a crack at the title, all the while stringing together six straight victories inside the Octagon, including his coming out party at UFC 94 where he floored Thiago Silva in the first round for his first(T)KO finish under the UFC banner.
Like Machida, Evans has taken some heat in the past for his cautious approach. That all but went out the window after a devastating KO over former light heavyweight deity Chuck Liddell and a decisive TKO finish against ex-205 champ Forrest Griffin.
Now pitted against one another, it will be interesting to see if they revert back to the run-and-gun approach or if someone gets the lights shut off in the first round.
Also on the May 23 card, former UFC welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra will settle their eternal grudge match and former number one middleweight contender Yushin Okami will return to the Octagon to challenge the surging 185-pound standout Dan Miller.
For the latest UFC 98 fight card and rumors click here.
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Well, I think we all kinda saw that one coming…
Good to see Machida get the shot.
by Teep on Mar 11, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions
Yes we did, but i would have liked to see some black on black crime.
by belfort_fan on Mar 11, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You still will get to see it, it will just be at the end of 09 now.
by Diceman on Mar 11, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ll still see the black on black crime, but it won’t be for a belt.Machida wins this one, and everyone for that matter.The UFC dropped the ball with this fight. Yes, Machida certainly deserves a title shot, but I was really hyped for that Evans/Rampage fight. It would have made for a great “primetime” like they did with Penn and St.Pierre(which would have been far more interesting if they had attempted to portray Penn as a threat). I just don’t think Machida can be beaten, and now I don’t think we’ll ever see Evans/Rampage fight for a belt which is a damn shame. They should have left this fight at UFC 100 and forced GSP/Alves to take it at 98. I heard GSP refused this request, but personally I don’t think he’s currently in a position to refuse anything. He lost my respect after “lube gate.”
by Josh H. on Mar 11, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
But whoever wins or loses in those two fights, the UFC will not spill the hype they’ve created between Jackson and Evans. That fight will happen eventually, unless Evans just starts sucking and floats to the bottom of the LH pile.
by ARodOfIron on Mar 11, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh- They did try to portray penn as a threat, he just wasn’t.
As for the Evans/Machida fight, I hope it is exciting, but I definately think this one will be going to a decision. I can really see either man winning, so I can’t really decide who I would pick at the moment.
by naturalshadow on Mar 11, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh H: I think this is the perfect oppurtunity for the ufc to do another primetime series. Rashad is one of the organizations best fighters but many fans dislike him and dont really know much about him except for what he is like in the octagon. Same thing with machida he is slowly gaining more fans as he keeps evolving as a fighter and he has the quiet confidence about him. Rampage is already a huge star and i think this is a great oppurtunity for the ufc to create two more huge stars. I think by creating a primetime on these two it will pay huge benefits to the ufc in the future as people will be able to better relate to two of the ufc’s top fighters.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I really like this fight. I think the best two equipped to take out Machida are ironically enough, Rashad and Rampage. We’ve never seen Machida fight some one faster than him. It’s quite possible that Rashad is the quicker fighter. And along with that he has KO power. It only takes one and with that speed anythings possible. Rampage is a phenominal counter puncher. He has good defence and heavy hands. We’ve seen Machida fight aggressive fighters, Stephen Bonner, Rich Franklin, Soko, Thaigo Silva, but what we haven’t seen is Machida fight a counter puncher of Rampage’s caliber. And again he has that one punch KO power. Over all I like Machida in both fights, but they will be interesting ones.
by DB on Mar 11, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Intelligent post DB. While this match-up may lack some marquee appeal, I think it’s a great fight. I expect the betting line to be virtually even.
by CL on Mar 11, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Good post matt. It makes total sense. THere are new fans to be had and the more variance you have in terms of stars, the more opportunity fans have to find a fighter they identify with. The more diversity (styles, disciplines, personalities, nationalities) the better.
by Machine on Mar 11, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida you have to be kidding me. He has not faced one top 5 contender. In fact Sam Hoger, David Heath, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Rameau Sokoudjou, Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva not even in the top 10. No question he has a shot. One punch or kick can end a fight but realy. Anyone who thinks this fight will be a stand up brawl with Machida running and dancing is a out to lunch. Rashad will take this to the ground in 30 seconds. On the groud Machida is jello. The fight will go 5 and Rashad will ge the decision. I don’t like Rashad @ all the belt will be Jacksons by the end of the year. Those of you who think Machida is a better fighter or should win this fight are OUT TO LUNCH!!!
by CANADA Michael on Mar 11, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The rightful heir to the throne baby! Now if only Yushin can get his shot, then we have ourselves a sport.
by NameNotRequired on Mar 11, 2009 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes ufcaddict, I’m rather confident that Rashad will win this fight. Machida has quickly become the sexy pick on this site lately, but I’ve seen nothing from him that makes me think he is better than Rashad or Rampage. And unlike a lot of people, I don’t think he matches up well with either. I’ve heard a lot of people saying that Machida’s style will give Rashad and Rampage fits, but I don’t see it. I’m looking forward to it though, we will know a lot more about both fighters after this one.
by Diceman on Mar 11, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree Diceman…Lyoto has looked good in his last few fights but he hasn’t show anything that would make me think that he can dethrown Rashad. Rashad has blazing hand speed and incredible footwork and is going to show Machida a lot of angles that he’s never seen before. I see Rashad pressing Lyoto against the cage and unleashing a flurry that will confuse Lyoto. He’s never fought anyone as quick as Rashad. Plus if anyone thinks that Rashad won’t be able to take down Machida because Tito wasn’t able to…think again. Tito foughtwith a bad back that fight and Tito is slow and predictable with his takedowns now. He isn’t as explosive as he used to be and Lyoto saw those takedown attempts coming from a mile away. Rashad uses his hands to get takedowns.
by Buster Bluth on Mar 11, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Canada Micheal…… I must take umbrage with several of your points.
1.Rampage will probably not own the belt again full stop. His efforts against Griffin and Jardine make this point pretty clear. Rashad and Machida are a step above. They win in all areas – stand up and on the ground.
2.“on the ground Machida is Jello”???. Clearly the weed in Canada is that over fertilized organic gear. It’s hurting your brain…..
3. Thiago Silva is not top 10 apparently??? Was the Machida v Thiago fight not supposed to be the bout to decide the number one contender along with Rampage?
4. “Machida runs and dances”. What do you think Evans does. Shimmys and skips????
Seriously, You’re whole post was just verbal diarrhoea!
BTW: Machida takes this out everyday of the week, even though Rashad is the best man to challenge him in the UFC LHW division at the moment. I wouldn’t be surprised if Machida has an Anderson Silva type reign at the top of the LHW.
by Rilly on Mar 12, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions
And you must be smoking some brick because that post was ridiculous. I think it’s pretty apparent that Thiago is not top 10. Machida has done nothing for anyone to compare him with Anderson Silva. There’s nothing Machida has done to make someone think he will hold the belt for a long time. The Machida nuthugging has gotten out of control on this site recently.
by Diceman on Mar 12, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree. Machida is a good fighter, but in no way can you compare him to Anderson Silva. I don’t know if Machida will win the belt, but if he does, there are too many great fighters at 205 for anyone to dominate in the way that Anderson Silva has. In fact I think if Anderson wasn’t friends with Machida, he could come in and take the belt from Machida.
by naturalshadow on Mar 12, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Shouldn’t have thrown the Anderson comparison in there it kind of ruined my argument….. But i’ll stand by it. Machida will hold the belt for a long time.
by Rilly on Mar 12, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
As a long-time Machida fan i feel i have to set a few things straight. In response to Canada’s post it should be pointed out that prior to being dismantled by Machida Soko was a consensus top 10 LHW, in fact when i look back at some of my magazines from that time period a couple of them have him in the top 5 (IMO i think he was undeserving of that rank, but the fact is he was definitely a consensus top 10) Thiago Silva, arguably a top 10 fighter depending on who’s rankings you are looking at, as far as Tito, he may not be on anyones top 10 but he should have been. who are his losses to? top ranked fighters and champions. Machida WON his fight with Tito, Rashad got lucky with a draw. If you honestly think that Rashad is going to walk in there and take Machida down in the first 30 seconds and control him when Tito couldn’t get him down in a 15 minute fight you are trippin’.
by The_Cannibal on Mar 16, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Like in Mask’s death, Rashad, RIP!
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 12, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m stoked. I cant wait to see Machida take out Rashad. And I live down the road form Jackson’s. I just really like the guy. I think his attacks are fast and varied enough to counter Rahads head movement. We’ll see.
PS: I’m also happy to see that Machida’s right pec is underdeveloped compared to his left. I have the same deal going on so maybe one day freaks like me can be proud despite our hideous breasts.
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Mar 11, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahaha! you noticed that too ovary puncher?! But in any case, this ain’t a black on black crime but a “black on jap crime”.
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 12, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions
i dont think rampage should have been awarded a title shot. Lyoto deserves it more, even if his fights are sometimes boring.
by The5thBeatle on Mar 11, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
not his last one haha and i dont see this one being boring, i think rashads to slow for him
by randy murders on Mar 11, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, Machida (who I’ve been critical of) deserves a shot more than Rampage, but the UFC obviously wants to make money. This match will have no hype to the casual fan!
good fight, tough to call
by kevin on Mar 11, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
he does not deserve a shot more than Quinton! but this is the right thing to do.. me as a Rampage fan couldn’t be happier! this is the best scenario possible..
by RoB on Mar 11, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree rob, rampage deserves a shot before mahcida. Lets look at who machida has beat in the ufc: Sam Hoger, David Heath, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Sokoudjou, Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva.
Now lets look at who rampage has beat in the ufc: Marvin Eastman, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson. Wanderlei Silva, Keith Jardine.
So machida has beat 0 people in the top ten maybe one if you count silva as top ten. Rampage has beat 4 top ten fighters.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
yes you’re right! that’s what im saying.. only exception being that Tito Ortiz is better than Thiago Silva, T.Silva was overrated too, he beat T.Drwal H.Alexander and A.Mendes before this loss! Tito beat F.Griffin, R.Evans and all of his previous wins to get this far in his career
by RoB on Mar 11, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
A 29-29 draw is not a win RoB. If Rashad sustained the takedowns the MORE than 2 times Tito grabbed the cage, Rashad would have won 29-28. Tito wasn’t doing a thing off of his back!
by halljam2 on Mar 11, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
he also beat franklin and penn out of the ufc…get some knowledge
by xtremecouture15 on Mar 12, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
RoB’s right. I’ve watched Machida since his 1st UFC fight with Sam Hoger, am a huge fan & still think Rampage deserves the shot. I don’t understand how anyone could think he doesn’t especially since his belt was stolen from him.
In comparison, when Chuck lost his belt via KO almost everyone was screaming for an immediate rematch. Rampage earns the belt by KO’ing the great Liddell, became the 1st in history to unify the LHW belts against the legend Dan Henderson, get’s his belt snatched away via decision after 5 hard rounds with Forrest, KO’s Wanderlei Silva (top 10 ranked LEGEND) & clearly wins against Jardine (top 10 LHW). Yet people still think another fighter is more deserving? Rubbish.
Machida is the man and he’s on a tear but he’s beaten no ranked fighters. He’s dominated everyone and a fighter of his caliber should. No one on his UFC win list has accomplished anything or beaten any ranked fighter themselves in the past couple of years. That info doesn’t diminish his accomplishments or skills but it is a hard fact.
THe difference in resume’s alone is enough to warrant Rampage a shot 1st.
Off topic:
I enjoy watching a lot of different fighters but these are the one’s I’d say I’m an actual fan of:
265
Fedor
Arlovski
Kongo
205
Rampage
Rashad
Machida
Shogun (tentatively)
Jon Jones
185
Silva
Kang
Akiyama
Mousasi
Belfort
170
GSP
Kos
155
Aoki
Griffin
Edgar
by Machine on Mar 11, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope, no Maia. Is he a BJJ whilrwind? Yep. Do I respect and admire his ability? Yep. Do I enjoy watching him fight? Absolutely. But am I a fan? Nope….not until he rounds out his game.
A good example is someone I accidentally left off my list, Terry Etim. The guy came in with a world of striking talent but he had holes in his take-down defense & his guard. He’s since improved his already great striking and has visibly improved his weaknesses as well. And he’s still not satisfied. GSP is the end result of that same example. I liked watching him fight but wasn’t a fan of his until GSP vs Hughes I because that was the starting point of his evolution. It’s just one of my weird ways of assessing a fighters ability & potential.
by Machine on Mar 12, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Rampage deserves a title shot for sure. forrest just stunned him with those kicks. i would agree that rampage is one dimentional, but how can you fault a fighter for relying on his strengths?
by Spitforce on Mar 12, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
i just read on a sherdog forum someone reporting mask from tapout died today? anyone wanna find more details
by randy murders on Mar 11, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
who cares!!! will he buried normal or in make up?? more money for the other two nit wits
by kevin on Mar 11, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Really though…
Why would anyone care, besides the guys he supports.
Nice shirts and shorts but the whole personality thing sucked.
FREAKS
by Prince E. on Mar 11, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I read he had an orange ferrari, the one that crashed was read! I was misinformed i guess!
by kevin on Mar 11, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The one he had was read? Where did you learn how to spell?
by halljam2 on Mar 11, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida definitely deserves this fight more than Rampage and more than anyone else in any division. None of his fights have even been close.
I know that Tito wasn’t ranked top 10, but he did beat Forrest and ended up with a draw against Rashad.
Also, in response to those of you who have questioned the integrity of Machida’s competition, both Brandon Vera Forrest Griffin have balked at the prospect of fighting him. When have you ever heard fighter openly admit they don’t like their chances against someone?
Lastly, this fight won’t be boring because Dana is going to be in both of these guys’ ears telling them it better be exciting.
by Mahde on Mar 11, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Tito is and has always been a top ten fighter.. nobody just wants to realize it just b/c he’s a PIMP!! the fun part about it is that ppl think Wanderlei Silva is top 10! lol.. Tito would crush Wanderlei! he’d still beat Forrest and Jardine. Period!
by RoB on Mar 11, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Tito would beat Wandi as well. Tito still has some game and i can’t wait to see him fight again.
by Rilly on Mar 12, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions
i think Rashad isn’t the same fighter as before, and tito would get wrecked if they fought again
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 13, 2009 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions
i have picked against rashad his last two fights and doing it again for some reason, lyoto by sub. this should be a good war, i guess rashad gasses out in the fourth or fifth and gets subbed? i think both guys would beat rampage anyways.
by markg on Mar 12, 2009 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Thats awesome he desreves the shot, whoever wins this fight will hold the title for awhile. Love them both and think this will be a great battle between to great athletes.
by the spyder on Mar 11, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions
I agree that Machida deserves this shot even though he’s not as marketable as Jackson…who cares? He’s undefeated and has a great resume and has gone 6-0 in the UFC. Machida is a great fighter and has really come on as of late. How can you not love a guy that incorporates karate into MMA the way he has into his own game. When you think of MMA you think of wrestling, JJ, Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, judo…but rarely is karate mentioned.
That being said, I still think this is Rashad’s fight to lose. He has the hand speed and footwork to really to challenge Machida. Plus Rashad won’t be impatient the way Tito was when they fought. Rashad and Machida both wait for their opponents to make mistakes which could spell a snoozer but I think Rashad will get in his face and try to make him make a mistake. Here’s my early prediction…Rashad TKO via GnP in the 4th.
by Buster Bluth on Mar 11, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I see Rashad’s athleticism giving Machida fits. Rashad’s take downs will be the key. If he implements them effectively, Rashad gets the victory. If not, Machida wins by decision.
Machida FTW.
by OJR on Mar 11, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
nobody has been able to take machida down yet, look at what machida did to tito he threw him around like a rag doll and tito is one of the biggest 205ers.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Tito hasn’t been explosive in years cause of his bad back…so he telgraphs his takedowns and always needs two legs to take anyone down. Rashad is very explosive and uses his hands to set up takedowns and can go with one leg…big difference.
by Buster Bluth on Mar 11, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
rashad struggled to get bisping down. rashad had tons of problems getting tito down. He is a great wrestler but machida also has great takedown defense, i guess we will see which one prevails this should be a very close fight. I will be pulling for rashad because i wanna see rampage knock him the eff out.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree with you Buster, i see shad taking this fight.
WAR RASHAD!!!!
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 11, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys have an inaccuracy: Rampage has not competed three times in five months. Though he would have if he took the Rashad fight.
by godzillad on Mar 11, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions
-who would have competed three times in the span of five months-
Dude it’s saying that he would have, not that he did.
by Dragon on Mar 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
sweet, i would have love rampage vs rashad but this is just as good and machida deserves it no dout. i see machida winning this one, and maybe holding that belt for awhile
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions
Rampage is skeered. ;)
Dragon" has been patiently waiting for a crack at the title, all the while stringing together six straight victories inside the Octagon, including his coming out party at UFC 94 where he floored Thiago Silva in the first round for his first finish under the UFC banner.[/i]Didn’t Machida finish Sokoujo(sp?))
by Jason on Mar 11, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
Machida finished Soko also Jesse.
I think this will be a good match up. Not qiute as appealing as the Rampage fight, but it will still be good to see Rashad lose. :)
by BNF on Mar 11, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
BNF, I dont konw whats wrong with me lately? I could never stand Rashad, and Im not a fan of Rampage or Machida. But for some reason I want Rashad to beat Machida, and then KO Page. I dont take medication. I dont do drugs, and Im not drunk. So WTF?
by JV on Mar 11, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
out of curiousity, who do you see beating Shad??
by McArthur on Mar 11, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
could be all that pole smoking… maybe the meat flute you love to toot on :D lol just screwing around…
by brendan on Mar 11, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
McArthur, I think both Page and Machida can beat Rashad. I just dont know why I want to see Rashad KO Page. And I hope Machida keeps making his fights exciting!
by JV on Mar 11, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
LMAO!!! WTF man. I can just never get the image out of my head of Rashad grabbing his nuts and wiggling around in the middle of a fight like he just scored a touchdown or something. He beat Chuck then Forrest and he is cockier than ever now. I want Machida to destroy him and I think he will.
Machida is better everywhere, except wrestling and we all saw him tool Tito. No more boring fights for Machida. I have officially jumped on board. Just like Dana said, he will get cumfortable and start to destroy people. Rashad is next, then Rampage.
by BNF on Mar 11, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Hop on the train boys!!!
I will be driving this bandwagon!
Who’s with me ?!
by OJR on Mar 11, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
LMAO!!! WTF man. I can just never get the image out of my head of Rashad grabbing his nuts and wiggling around
thats what won him over
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
roy, that is some school yard bullsh*t. I didn’t know you were that type of blogger. First take a lame shot at JV, then me. I am done with you…
by BNF on Mar 11, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
am i dead to you, sorry bnf i was just joking with jv i know he can take it and my jab at you was real weak you should have given me one back you would have won, but seriously no offense i like jv i don’t agree with him on alot of things but i know the next day i could and it there would be no grudges.
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i tried to reply bnf i hope it comes up, if not i was only joking.
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
well the other one must have gotten lost but i was only messing with jv, i like jv and i don’t agree with him on things sometimes and i know i can come the next day and theres no grudges, the jab i took at you was weak you should have just given me one back you would have won but i didn’t mean anything by it.
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Roy, maybe you and Brendan can get together? You guys seem to have the same g@y fantasies?
by JV on Mar 11, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh my gosh people are still upset that Rashad talks trash and showboats while he fights? Welcome to professional sports people.
by Diceman on Mar 11, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
article says Machida’s first finish was against Silva…what about his submission of Sokoudjou?
by schnetzler on Mar 11, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions
Not to mention a KO of Rich Franklin pre-UFC. I can not wait until Lyoto ends Rashad, it does my f**king head in hearing people complain about Machida.
by DownUnder on Mar 11, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
it says his first TKO finish IN THE UFC
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 11, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i never make fun of event names…..but Identity Crisis???? ajajajajajaja
by Adam on Mar 11, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions
id say Jesse is just making a quip on the fact that this card’s main event has just changed for the 3rd in only a week or two. (ie brock vs mir, rashad vs roadrage and now machida vs rashad.)
by josh on Mar 11, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing. That is a horrible name hopefully that was a very bad typo.
by Canadianmma on Mar 11, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Guys.. I was thinking the same thing.. that name is suspect.. what does that have to do with 1 MMA 2 UFC 3 Fighting ?
by PhilQNY on Mar 11, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
It has everything to do with it! this is a business.. and it’s about finding your place to be someone..
by RoB on Mar 11, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
i’ll just be glad to see someone beat the hell out of evans
by pitbull17 on Mar 11, 2009 1:56 PM EDT reply actions
me too i cant stand the guy, he was cocky on tuf then matt hughes said something and his stopped being cocky for awhile then he koed salmon and his cockiness starting coming back and now it is at an all time high and im ready for someone to knock him out. I hope he beats machida so that rampage can knock his head off.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
FINALLY!
Congrats on winning that belt Lyoto – been a long time coming.
by jerrolds on Mar 11, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions
The belt is already on his waist in my mind as well. Thankfully he’s more mature than I am, and is taking this fight in his usual demeanor. I see him finishing this in similar fashion as he did against Thiago. Dude’s an MF’n beast in disguise as the karate kid.
Can I get a hell yeah for Anderson Silva challenging Machida for the 205 title?
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll be the first to say “Highly unlikely as they are friends,” but it would be awesome!
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Aren’t they out of the same camp? Big nogs’ camp? It would be sweet though if they put their friendship aside for 25 mins.
by Dragon on Mar 11, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Hells yeah. That would be awesome. Potential to outsell Lesnar written all over it.
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions
As much as i agree with you – i think Silva and Machida are like best friends and wont be fighting anytime soon :)
by jerrolds on Mar 11, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha, beat you by 10 seconds jerrolds
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Great main event….why are on earth is Irvin vs Drew not on the televised card? UFC 100 is going to be sick!!! Add Chuck vs Jardine or Shogun vs Jardine and it’s game time.
by Robert(1) on Mar 11, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions
Jardine Is already fighting forrest at UFC 101. I owuld love to see them add shogun on that card. Add chuck as well. It jsut doesnt seem right that the poster boy for the UFC for many years, chuck, would not be on the historic UFC 100 show. They can put Shogun vs Thiago Silva and Chuck vs Bonner or Vice Versca.
Brock vs Lesnar
GSP vs Alves
Hendo vs Bisping
Chuck vs Bonner
Shogun vs Thiago
Cain vs Dos Santos
Akiyama vs Belcher
thats a stacked card BUT i doubt the UFC would do all that
by Adam on Mar 11, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Brock is good, but I dont think he can beat himself!
by nymets8 on Mar 11, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
what are you talking about-i beat myself almost everyday
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
how about Marquardt versus Maia? that would be a great fight for the ufc 100 main card.
Brock vs Lesnar
GSP vs Alves
Hendo vs Bisping
Marquardt vs Maia
Carwin vs Kongo
by horny for gina on Mar 11, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuck only wants top guys for a quick road back to the title…Bonner is not that guy.
by Robert(1) on Mar 11, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida is going to give Rashad a hard time. Great take down defense as displayed with Tito, strong chin and great movement on the feet. Nobody is getting finished here. Machida via UD.
by Boom Goes the Dynamite! on Mar 11, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions
I have to agree w/ you. Machida after 5, wearing the strap. I think he’ll probably hold on to it for quite a while too.
by LJ on Mar 11, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree except that I’m making the outlandish call that Rashad’s chin will be seriously tested.
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
“…and Boom Goes the Dynamite!” – That’s funny everytime
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
So … some Asian girls are about to get a good thrashing is what you’re trying to say?
by bostommmajunkie on Mar 11, 2009 2:06 PM EDT reply actions
?
Implied swipe at Machida or brain freeze?
Machida is from Brazil.
by OJR on Mar 11, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
i think is was born in japan? and he is half brazilian and half japanese.
by roy on Mar 11, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
He was talking about the Japanese girls that Rampage wanted to take with him on vacation after the Jardine fight…either on Dana’s vblog or on the after-fight press conference Rampage said something along the lines of “I was looking forward to taking a vacation with one of my japanese girls and now I have to think about going back to training”.
by Vox on Mar 11, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Rampage stated that he has some asian girls just waiting to go on a secluded vacation with him if he wasnt fighting Rashad. Now he’s not …
by bostommmajunkie on Mar 11, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida’s kicks are going to be a huge factor in this fight because we will get to see if Rashad can take him down. I think the Dragon will overpower Rashad similar to the way he tossed Tito around like a rag doll and finish this fight. Machida would have finished Tito if he wasn’t hesitant after that brutal shot to the liver that floored tito.
by Jared on Mar 11, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions
I’m not a Rashad fan at all, but he certainly has won me over as far as respecting his skills as a fighter. He has definitley grown over the past two years.
Machida is like a friggin snake the way he moves in and out, and I think anybody that sees that as a weakness is crazy.
This has the potential to be a great fight and either guy has a great shot, but I’m going with Machida by UD.
by Jrandolph on Mar 11, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions
is there any way both guys can lose? man a double knockout would be great. Don’t like either of them.
by Brian "CLAY "THE TICK" GUIDA on Mar 11, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
this is a nice card. Stylistically I think Machida has to be a nightmare for Evans. I’ve watched a lot of his fights and he hasn’t been as much as tagged by anybody.
He’s too fast and has a great reach. Too evasive for Evans. Evans only strength may be in the wrestling department where Lyoto is no stranger to either. I believe Lyoto’s father was a professional wrestler in Brazil.
by kibbled_bits on Mar 11, 2009 2:15 PM EDT reply actions
This is awesome. Even better than Evans vs Jackson. These two have been all but invincible so one of them has to go down. I’ll be surprised if the fight doesn’t go to a decision.
This fight makes much more sense. Lyoto deserves it. He’s in the top ten pound-for-pound for certain, whether he wins or loses.
by Jackanapes on Mar 11, 2009 2:21 PM EDT reply actions
He deserves it more than some but no one deserves it more than Rampage. Machida has not faced the calibure of fighter Rashad has. Some of you cinsider Tito a top calibure opponent and your right but not on the night Machida faced him. Tito was in a bigger battle with Dana and Tito doesn’t have the IQ to fight two battles at once? Rampage has faced top five fighters once he entered the UFC and long before no one deserves a title fight more. Rampage needs the break and regardless who win’s the belt will be his soon after.
by Beaver on Mar 11, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
And the NEW LIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMP OF THE WORLD…
by nathan on Mar 11, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions
Man! Just read through all the comments so far, and I don’t see many people giving Evans — the champ — any fair chance Vs. the Dragon. I’ve been a Machida-fan for a good while (one of the VERY few around here who stood up for him after Machida – Tito), but I’d never have thought so many people were going to jump on board, and in a title-shot, no less.
I guess the Silva fight sealed the deal for most of you, hahaha!! :)
by ARodOfIron on Mar 11, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions
i think rashads wierd style will match up good with lyotos and i see rashad beating lyoto by tko or a decision.
by tuffguy01 on Mar 11, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions
No man, Rashads wierd style (monkey fighting style), he reminded me of the Sholin Monk monkey style that will only works against an opponent with no kicks….like Chuck.
But against Machida with superior Kicks and karate base stands/movement it won’t work…Machida will stay out of range and attacks him with Kicks from the outside…
by Tim on Mar 11, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
kind of like what forrest tried to do with his kicks, and looked what happened to him
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 12, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Machida will win pretty easily, as long as he stays away from that huge overhand right. Otherwise i could see another crazy KO win for Evans.
Best case scenario would be Machida winning by KO.
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 11, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
Lester the Pimp said “…Best case scenario would be Machida winning by KO.”
Not best case for Rashad ;P
by bulletproof tiger on Mar 11, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m looking forward to this fight. I don’t care if a guy is marketable or not. All I care about is if he kicks ass in the cage and machida’s been doing that, espically his last 2 fights. Were also going to get to see just how good Machida really is. Yes he beat Tito (but not the old Tito), and Sokoudgou (so did babalou), and Silva (but Silva looked like crap in that fight and I’m not impressed with his chin). With that being said I really do believe Machida is very good and with a win over Evans, that will confirm it for me. Go Machida, I’m not a Rashad fan what-so-ever!
by brac on Mar 11, 2009 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
http://fighthype.com/pages/content4477.html
i just found this rumor look into.
by mrfancypants on Mar 11, 2009 2:45 PM EDT reply actions
im glad rampage isnt taking the fight. its just too soon. especially since he mentioned he felt overtrained right after the jardine fight.
machida vs rashad is a hard fight to call. machida hasnt really been tested, but hasnt really fought a top 5 lhw yet.
i just dont see machida being able to get away with standing straight up and down with some one as fast and athletic as rashad.
this will be an awesome fight, very unpredicatable. my favorite part is that we get another awesome fight after this one with the winner facing rampage!
by COR on Mar 11, 2009 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
Rashad’s stand-up has come a long way and he does have KO power, but he will come nowhere near Lyoto, who is several levels above him as a striker. And if he can take Machida down (not easy) he will have a pretty big disadvantage there against his jits.
Of course he has a puncher’s chance, but this one looks like Machida all night and all day. He is, in my mind, one of the most evolved martial artists out there, on the very short list with Anderson Silva, Fedor, and GSP.
Fedor doesn’t employ much in the ways of kicks, so in that one particular sense he is more evolved than him. Of course, Fedor makes up for that with an unbelievable fighting mindset. But I think Machida has what it takes mentally to be one of the very best in the game.
All that spells another one reign champ in Rashad. But fear not, Machida will hold the belt for a long time…
by revjames13 on Mar 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions
machida has looked great so far, but he is untested. the bandwagon is leaving a tad early when comparing him with anderson, fedor, or gsp.
1.silva was really slow and hasnt beaten anyone (houston?)
2.tito was even slower than silva and sucks
3.sokuo was so bad he is out of the ufc
4.nakamura was way too small for lhw
his best wins are against a very green rich franklin a long time ago and an undersized penn.
in fact i think he shouldve had one more fight against a legit top 5 lhw before getting a title shot.
by COR on Mar 11, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Valid points COR.
Rashad compared to Lyoto:
Speed – equal
Footwork – equal
Striking – Machida who’s much more diverse
Power – Evans
Wrestling – Evans
BJJ- Machida
Cage Intelligence – Machida by a hair
Will to Win – equal
I don’t see Evan’s wrestling taking Machida out of his game. I don’t see Machida’s BJJ as the deciding factor either. Machida’s never been in trouble from wrestling and Evan’s has never been in real danger of being submitted. Both guys adapt on the fly in order to find a way to win. That is what I find most interesting about this fight.
THese are 2 of my fav’s so I’m hoping for a Draw.
by Machine on Mar 11, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d give speed to Rashad…he’s got the fastest hands in the division and I’d also give cage intelligence to Rashad…who else could get Chuck’s timing down the way he did plus he adapts in the cage when he needs to but usually sticks to his game plan which isn’t easy to do if you ask most fighters. Machida has not faced a wrestler as good as Shad…Tito doesn’t count since his style of MMA wrestling is to lunge from the opposite side of the cage and run through people to get a takedown. Rashad’s takedowns are more explosive and he uses his strikes to set them up.
by Buster Bluth on Mar 11, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would you hope for a draw???
If anything you would just hope that whoever wins it’s by stoppage and not a judges decision!!!!!
by MMA-Fan on Mar 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m so excited about this fight I think I peed a little!
I’ll go with Machida by 3rd round Crane Kick!!!
by Chief on Mar 11, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions
I figured this would happen. It’s really hard to fight three times in five months.
by DB on Mar 11, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions
The talk about Machida not having fought a top 5 is not much of a factor in the Rashad fight since Machida recently beat Tito, who, let’s face it, beat Rashad (if not for the point deduction).
It’s mma math, but with a relatively recent “win” over the current champ with actuals wins before that over former champs Griffin and Belfort, Tito is at least top 10. It just looks like he isn’t because Liddell owned him twice and it appears his game hasn’t evolved. But still, he nearly pulled off a surprise last second sub against the guy I think is far and away the best LHW in the world. So, Tito’s not a dinosaur yet.
Lyoto is the real deal. All the fighters know it. Even Rashad admits he doesn’t see any holes in his game yet. They must be there, he says, he just hasn’t found them yet. Well he better look harder if he wants to keep his belt.
by revjames13 on Mar 11, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions
sorry, tito is a dinosaur, he is definately not top 10. look at his recent track record
loss machida 08
draw rashad 07 (rashad’s first big fight)
loss liddell 06
win shamrock 06 (?)
win shamrock 06 (?)
win forrest (lots of people think he lost that fight and it was in 06)
lyoto may very well be the real deal. im really looking foward to his fight with rashad. i couldnd pick a winner, but im giving the slight edge to rashad.
by COR on Mar 11, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
yea an there’s still so many people saying that lyoto smashed tito and rashad didn’t. people can’t keep using that as an excuse anymore, b/c rashad is not the same fighter. he would wreck tito at this point in his career.
but still a very close fight to call. i see rashad being the best fighter to beat him rite now, b/c these to are the most patient in lhw and rashad could catch him. very very close match but i see rashad taking it.
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 11, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida has been dominating since he got in the UFC its about time he got his shot
by AC on Mar 11, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions
LOL at anyone losing respect for GSP because the lubing incident. The whole thing has been blown out of proportion by BJ Penn and his camp and probably had little to no effect on the actual outcome of the fight.
Machida deserves the shot more than anybody else in the division including Rampage.
by Ballam on Mar 11, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions
Machida is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite fighters, so this news made my day. I really like Evans as well, either way I’m stoked. Glad he’s getting a title shot before Rampage does again.
by robotplague on Mar 11, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions
I’m glad that bum Rashad Evans won’t have the belt anymore. I think he is bad for the sport with his tacky ass ghetto celebrations! If you’re going to celebrate at least don’t look like fag. Rashad won’t be able to take Machida down and deffinetly won’t outstrike him.
by xxBAxx816 on Mar 11, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
Ghetto celebrations?! Why cause he’s black.
Stop hating on Rashad because of his so called disrespect and swagger. He’s very talented and works hard. Not my favorite but Kendall Groves celebrations are waaaay more disrespectful, and retarded.
by scissorfight on Mar 11, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you scissor! I’m so sick of people saying Rashad is bad for the sport because he showboats a little and talks smack. Name ONE professional sport where the players aren’t constantly talking trash! Heck, Michael Jordan talked trash to Spike Lee, who was a FAN, in the biggest basketball venue in the world(Madison Square Garden) during a game. What has Rashad done that comes close to that? Watch any football or basketball game and you will see players talking smack constantly. This, “He’s cocky and talks smack so he’s bad for the sport” talk is garbage. Not to mention this is FIGHTING. If some grown ass men who beat the crap out of each other in the most advanced ways possible can’t handle some trash talking there is something wrong. Get over it people.
by Diceman on Mar 11, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Not only are they super cocky, they are super gay as well.
by xxBAxx816 on Mar 12, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Did anyone else think that jackson/ evans stare down/ smack talk after the match was creepy!? Jackson was smack talking and evans was…..whispering sweet nothings?!?! Anywho- glad they’re not fighting so soon. Hope machida loses cause i wanna see a black on black crime!
by Bui on Mar 11, 2009 4:06 PM EDT reply actions
I see this pretty much the same as most on here. Machida will win this inside of 3 rounds. After that he fights Page and beats him also. Then and only then will all of you fanboys get to see your “black on black crime”?!!??!!
by TapOutNow on Mar 11, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
we will get to see it right after rashad beats lyoto.
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 11, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
i cant stand all the fair weather fans on this blog, lyoto sucks he is boring and you all agreed with me before ufc 94. he beat thiago and now every one loves him, way to stick to your guns guys. i think rashad is gonna do him like he did chuck, just wait then boom! the hype will be dead.
by Blazy J on Mar 11, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah keep dreaming. The difference being Machida is hyped because he has shown a level of skill I don’t think MMA has seen at LHW. The other hyped up fighters that come to mind like T.Silva and H.Alexander were just super aggresive fighters who put together a couple of highlight reel victories.
The difference is night and day to most knowledgable MMA fans. Machida is extremely well-rounded and has brought a skill set to MMA like no one before him.
by TapOutNow on Mar 11, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
sweet skills but i watch ufc to be entertained, if he is that good then he should be like anderson silva, who always gets the job done in entertaining fashion (excluding cote)
by Blazy J on Mar 11, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree with you blaze, when lyoto was supposed to fight tito everybbody said how boring he was. as soon as he’s in title contention everybody loves him. i wouldn’t be surprised if rashad won. then beet rampage, and everybody jumping all over rashad after
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 11, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
and how does any one deserve a shot before rampage, he was jipped out of his belt, and has beat two top 10 contenders (wandy, jardine) while the only big names that lyoto won was tito and thiago. soko sucks, bonner cant win a fight to save his life, all of his best wins weren’t in the ufc. if he wins the belt we will never see a good title fight till he retiers, all of his fights will be like bisbing vs leban, this guy sucks! and the fight between these two back peddeling pussys will be the most boring title fight in ufc history!
by Blazy J on Mar 11, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions
Just thought I’d mention that Page turned down his title shot. He was given the first crack at Evans and basically said he needs some time off to get healed.
by TapOutNow on Mar 11, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks i know, his hand write, but most people are saying that lyoto is more deserving than page and i have to strongly disagree
by Blazy J on Mar 11, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I knew it Jackson was looking for an out, dont blame him after his last perfomance he needs work.
by Thebending on Mar 11, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions
Dumb comment…unanimous decision against a top 10 fighter is better than anything Lyoto has ever done.
by Diceman on Mar 11, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I think i will put my money on rashad once again. But i gotta say all these ppl i been winning money from say he will lose everytime he fights but i just keep on winning more money i love it.The funny thing is when you are number one there is only one way to go and that is down.The question is WHEN….ppl will say i told you he would lose and the funny thing is i already won a few hundreds off them in the mean time.lol they dont think about this hahahaha
by johnny blaze on Mar 11, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions
machita is just a speed bump for rashad … rampage does need to get more better training
by blazin85 on Mar 11, 2009 5:59 PM EDT reply actions
i see this being an extremely boring fight. Rashad loves do dance around the ring and showboat and machida is not one to stalk his oppenents he likes his oppenent to come to him. I say machida wins a boring 5 round decision.
by matt on Mar 11, 2009 6:29 PM EDT reply actions
never…unless he caught him with a big shot or something first…maybe a kick….2nd rnd….ko
by McArthur on Mar 11, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
you guys are missing the point here, Rampage got hurted he fought keith in a hard three round battle. Machida gets a title shot simply because rampage got hurt. All three of these guys arn’t going anywhere. Yes Machida, hasn’t really fought top 5 opponents because the ufc makes the fights and he accepts it.
by Veitpride on Mar 11, 2009 7:04 PM EDT reply actions
Does anyone noticed all the opponents of Lyoto Machida has never been the same after they lose to Machida.
David Heath was 9-0 coming into the fight with Lyoto and now he’s not same guy as he used to be.
by Tim on Mar 11, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions
machida will win by something that ryu off street fighter would do
u all no he can.
by james on Mar 11, 2009 7:42 PM EDT reply actions
If this is a striking/sprinting war only, I say Lyoto! But, if Evans utilizes his takedowns and can drive his knees into Machida’s ribs, I think that even if Lyoto was able to get back up, he wouldn’t be able to move the way he usually does. I don’t see any other way for Rashad to work his body and slow him down! Anyway, I’m not a fan of either and could care less as long as it’s a good fight!
by Dana's a crossdresser on Mar 11, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions
the bottom line is this:
rashad has the best chance of anyone in the division of beating machida…
machida has the best chance of anyone in the division of beating rashad..
these are the 2 most intelligent and gifted fighters in the division…
they may not be the strongest…or most powerful…or most explosive..but these 2 guys have confused everyone they’ve ever fought…
this is the best possible lhw matchup you could possibly have…they truly are the number 1 and 2 in the world at that weightclass…
those who hate on rashad because of his cockyness or showing off or whatever…put that shit aside and realize that he really is the most improved fighter in the entire organization over the past 2 years…
i cant wait for this one…im a huge nuthugger of both of them…i really dont care who wins, i just hope the fight is as good as it seems like it should be
by HellaHectic on Mar 11, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions
Well put…I love Rashad…but how can you hate on a karate fighter?
by Buster Bluth on Mar 11, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Finally we get to see Machida face a top five contender. The best fighter Machida has faced to date was BJ Penn back in K1 were he had troubles with the smaller BJ. It will be intesting to see if he can handle the speed and power combo of Rashad. doesn’t really matter who wins because Jackson will get the belt in the next title fight.
by Beaver on Mar 11, 2009 9:59 PM EDT reply actions
rashad vs jackson= rampage flat 2nd round
especially if it was the rampage that showed up against jardine, then i say first round KO for rashad
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 13, 2009 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions
well im glad to see that the dragon is getting his shot,
im thinkng a knockout by leg kick
machida is getting better every fight
by Chris909 on Mar 11, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
Why are you people even debating who deserved a title shot? Both of them deserved it. Machida and Rashad are like Pacquiao and JMMarquez. You can rank them as 1 and 1a. And please, for God’s sake Rampage cannot fight Evans for UFC 98 so give it to Machida. That is the story dudes. stick to it and don’t squabble on who deserved a title shot more!
by Phasebook on Mar 12, 2009 6:27 AM EDT reply actions
the only way machida lost is to make a big mistake & his oponent will get lucky to hit him with something,but machida never did a mistake in a fight
by mad_drummer on Mar 12, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
everyone will eventually make mistake’s.
good fight either way, but i see Evans taking it
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 13, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions
That dosen’t bother me one bit. I think Machida will pull out the victory and will be the new champ. I don’t think it will be a huge knock out, but I think he’ll kick his way into the win. GO MACHIDA!
by E. Fairway on Mar 12, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
this is how i see it rite now. machida has not impressed me, and im still not a big fan. if machida can beat rashad than i have really underestimated him, but to me he has not beat anybody amazing. thiago has a soft chin, tito is not the same tito, etc. if machida can pull this off, i will see him as the great fighter that he is, b/c i see rashad being the man to beat rite now. i will not jump on the bandwagon, but i will respect him, and his talent more. whoever wins this fight will dominate for a long time in the lhwd.
EVans by decision or KO.
WAR RASHAD
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 13, 2009 3:08 AM EDT reply actions
yes i know that a karate backround could give anybody hell, but with someone as smart as rashad in the ring, i can see him with a good gameplan for this
by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 13, 2009 3:14 AM EDT reply actions
Karate stands and movement are so different to rest…Karate practitioner moves in and out or side to side like mud crab (mud crab wakes side way) so, I think it will out maneuver of any type boxing/Maui Thai footwork’s, it doesn’t matter if Rashad can dance around or jump around in front of Machida, because it just won’t work against a Black Karate practitioner.
by MaChida on Mar 13, 2009 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions
WAR MACHIDA!!!!
Glad to see that rampage is out of this fight… I believe this is MIXED MARTIAL ARTS not boxing. MACHIDA AND EVANS have plenty of this and use it… With that being said, machida and evans will be a great fight stand up or even if it went to the floor… Remember both fighters are undefeated Machida 14-0 Evans 13-0, again better fight then the Rampage and Evans fight….
SHOGUN OVER LIDDELL UFC 97!!!
WAR SHOGUN
by N1SHOGUNFAN on Mar 13, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions
MMA is any style of fighting N1Shogun are you new. I can’t wait to see Rampage KO Evan’s after he defends the belt against Machida.
by Beaver on Mar 14, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Looks like all the Tito fans have there new love…f^ck^n h&mos LOL.
by Beaver on Mar 14, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions
I am pissed off rampage isn’t fighting rashad. I don’t know why because rampage won agaisnt jarden. rampage is one of my favorite fighters. I hate rashad I really want to see him lose I now he is good but i think rampage would take him out. I think machida would take both of them out. I think he is like another anderson silva unstoppable.
by chris on Mar 16, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions
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