UFC Quick Quote: Rashad Evans has one head

1st

wow!!! rashad will be battered!

by gaara on Mar 14, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

machida isnt that big of a favorite… i saw lines at -200 for machida and +160 for rashad, that doesnt fit the description “very heavy favorite” in my opinion, but i agree that he should be the favorite and i feel that he will finish rashad in the later rounds after rashad gasses from dancing around like a goon for the first three

by brendan on Mar 14, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

man rashad doesn’t gas easy anymore, ever since he stopped going for take downs, he’s had really steady cardio, so in my opinion that’s not a factor, rashad’s cardio is good. i see a long boring decision win by rashad. unless rashad somehow figures machida out, than a nice KO for rashad, but i doubt it

“black on black crime”

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 14, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

i think machida will win but i think rashad has a better chance than rampage of winning against machida… i actually think that rashad has the best chance against machida than anyone else in the division

the only way i see rampage and rashad fight each other is if they both lose to machida

by ufcaddict on Mar 15, 2009 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions

definitely ufcaddict. Evans has more speed and better wrestling. Also rampage with his straight up aggressive style would march straight forward and get killed. Rashad is more patient.

by NameNotRequired on Mar 15, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not sure that Rashad is faster than Machida. If anything I would give Machida the edge on speed as far as striking is concerned. The hands are close, but Machida has faster kicks and knees, and has a great ability to get in and out. I do give Rashad the edge in wrestling and power. This fight has me going back and forth on how it will turn out. I do however see it going to the late rounds, if not a decision.

by naturalshadow on Mar 15, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I was actually comparing rashad with rampage. Machida is definitely faster than rashad i think.

by NameNotRequired on Mar 15, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Machida has Sumo wrestling skills which he translates to mma well, we seen that with Thiago Silva, when he dumped him on his butt all them time, I say Machida win in the 2nd round by KO or by submission in the 3rd.

by Tyson Harris on Mar 15, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re right about 1 thing. Rashad will gas from all taht dancin’ and chasin’ that he’s gonna do. You can never catch a ghost unless you’re a ghostbuster. Rashad ain’t one. Rampage will be Winston Zedmore and Machida will be slimed. But not now, not in the Rashad fight. Unless Rashad surprises me and upsets my pick once again[w/c I’m gettin’ tired of].

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 14, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

rashad has great endurance, when have you seen him gas? He’s quick and light on his feet and will create many problems for Machida, as Machida will for him. This fight should be a close one. With one of the best corner men in the game! Rashad will have a gameplan for Machida. Doesn’t really matter because Rampage will get his belt back from either one the next fight.

by Beaver on Mar 15, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions

No way Machida beats Rashad…Rashad is going to hit Lyoto a hell of a lot harder than anyone has ever hit him. Lyoto is a good fighter but he’s not agreat fighter…Rashad is. He’s faster and has better footwork than him on the feet and uses angles better than Lyoto. When Rashad takes him down…he’s going to be too busy choking down some elbows and fists to try any of that jitz he has that we never get to see.

I know Machida is the sexy pick in this fight and that there are a lot of Rashad haters on this site…but I’m sorry to tell you…Rashad will be the champ for a long time.

WAR EVANS!!!!!

by Buster Bluth on Mar 15, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

So, Bluster, you’re predicting that whereas nobody has been able to even hit Lyoto, Rashad is going to be able to hit him – and hard at that? You’re smokin’ crack. Evans is about to be schooled at his own game.

by BigRedOne on Mar 15, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions

plus Rashad throws that overhand right over and over, very easy to avoid, machida will take this by late tko or decision

by Thebending on Mar 15, 2009 6:19 AM EDT up reply actions

No way Buster! I like Rashad a lot, but come on man, you are silly to think Rashad will be faster and have better footwork. Not going to happen buddy!

This is a close but interesting match up, but itsw going to end the way all Machida fights end….with him frustrating the crap out of his opponents to a win.

btw, your whole post is based on the notion that Rashad is actually going to be able to hit machida…Easier said than done

by john on Mar 15, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Rashad has a better chance than anyone in LHW but he won’t win. The rightful king of the LHWs will take his throne on the 23rd and there is nothing that Dana can do to stop it. Now only yushin is left.

by NameNotRequired on Mar 15, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Every Rashad fight it’s the same thing…Rashad can’t do this, can’t do that…no way he’s going to win…blah blah blah. Then what happens? He goes out and proves everyone wrong. Rashad has the belt and yet still everyone doubts him and he’s the underdog in this fight. It’s completely ridiculous. He’s done nothing but win and improve in every single fight he’s been in. Machida has done nothing but win but he’s not improving…he’s still the same fighter he was since he came to the UFC and that works for him and I like his style.

Rashad has the style to counter Machida though. Rashad can close the distance on anyone and he’s going to get in on Machida. Lyoto doesn’t have the power to scare Rashad…sure he knoecked out Silva but Silva had a weak chin. He aint knocking Rashad out.

The simple fact is…you can’t be elusive and expect to take the belt…you have to bring it to the champ at some point and at that point Rashad is going to show him why he’s the champ.

I love how everyone is all of a sudden a huge Machida fan. Rashad is the champ and he’s still getting better…I just don’t see how Machida pulls this one off…I’m sorry. I like Machida and I respect his style but Rashad is going to find a way to catch him and catch him often until he breaks him…then it’s Page’s turn…believe that.

by Buster Bluth on Mar 15, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Machida will make Rashad look silly….sillier than his in-ring antics and dancing do. I see him finishing Evans after Machida wins round after round and Evans falls behind on the cards. If he wants to hold onto his belt he’ll have to start being the aggressor which is where Lyoto wants it. Machida will cut him apart with surgical precision.

by PJJ on Mar 15, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Buster: my post wasnt a knock on Rashad. I think Shad beats 8 of the top 10 LHW’s not including him of course.

Just not sure that he can beat Machida or Page. We have no way of knowing. Shad has never faced anyone as good as those 2. I have to see it to believe it.

I dont know why you would bad mouth tHiago Silva’s chin. That is not an accurate statement. Prior to the machida fight that dude would just eat punches and back opponents down terminator style.

btw, stop calling Rashad a champion. As of now he is just the title holder. You need to defend that gold to be a champion. If not, he will just be another 1 pump chump like Serra and Forrest!

How does shad have the style to beat Machida? Not saying he cant, but stylistically, I dont see how he wil do it. Shads a counter puncher, and no one does that better than Machida.

Machida’s footwork and pin point accuracy should be the difference in this one

Like I said though buster, you have turned me into a fan of suga in the past year. I cant say I root for him, cause I dont jump bandwagons, but I have learned to enjoy watching him fight and looking forward to his next match up!

After shad loses his title, he should fight Rich Franklin!

by john on Mar 15, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Beaver: I’ve seen Machida gas lots of times. that is if you don’t call opening your mouth wide and gasping for air gassing.

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 15, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

john: Silva got rocked by Mendes. His chin is pretty soft compared to Rashad’s. i see Rashad taking this fight, and having a nice war with page after.

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 16, 2009 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions

slow down man. Silva got kicked in his head. thats why he was rocked. there isnt a chin in this world that can take a shin to the side of the face.

by john on Mar 16, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed John, getting hurt by a head kick is equivalent to Rashad getting dropped by Brad Imes at HW IMO. Shad has been hurt before.

by Crowls on Mar 16, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

true that!

by john on Mar 16, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

For shin to face , i point you to K1, Crocop vs Hunt. :)

by big D on Mar 17, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

That doesn’t matter, you guys can get off the Machida wagon off of this fight, Evan Isn’t gonna attack him and chase him like everyone else, And NO machida hasn’t faced as great a wrestler as Evans or anyone with that speed for that matter.

by Rashad-Marquardt-GSP-Sherk on Mar 15, 2009 3:14 AM EDT up reply actions

true, but guess what? Evans has never even seen a guy as fast as Machida….it goes both ways!

by john on Mar 15, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

RMGS, watch the Rashad v Tito fight again. Tito’s wrestling is def as good if not better than Shad’s. Machida handled that just fine.

by Crowls on Mar 15, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Tito has problems changing levels though…he can’t mix striking and takedowns as well as Rashad can imo

by McArthur on Mar 15, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Tito had Rashad that whole fight, the only thing he did wrong was to apply a thai-clinch with his back against the cage two times, the first time it ended up with Tito having to grab the fence and get a point taken away from him, the 2nd time was in the last 20 seconds of round 3 that gave Rashad a final takedown and the round.. McArthur you’re right but also remember that Salmon, Tito and Bisping took Shad down and that he is nowhere near as good as someone like Tito off of his back..

by RoB on Mar 15, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Keep in mind how much Rashad has improved since that fight, And well tito is tito.

by Rashad-Marquardt-GSP-Sherk on Mar 15, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Tito also doesn’t have the hands that Rashad does. Machida was only worried about Tito taking him down really.

by Rashad-Marquardt-GSP-Sherk on Mar 15, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

to quote you “machida hasn’t faced a wrestler as great as Evans”. I was simply pointing out that he has in fact done that. Yes Shad will be able to mix striking in better and setup TD’s. But I’m not convinced Shad will be able to strike effectively and that will severely hurt his ability to work for those TDs.

by Crowls on Mar 15, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Machida trains with Anderson Silva, AS is one of the greatest MMA fighter in the world(P2P)…that means a lot in the mental preparation and Lyoto knows he had the best training coming into this fight…plus Rashad is only 5"11, 2 inch shorter than Machida, that’s an extra advantage when comes to boxing and in exchanges, because will be able to punch DOWN not up, where as Tito and Lyoto fight, Tito is 2.5inch taller therefore, Lyoto didn’t even engage in that fight, no point boxing with someone who is stronger, taller & longer reach…+ it was Tito last fight in the UFC, no point embarrassing him…

by Tim on Mar 15, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

ill take rashad by the jackson gameplan

by Jared on Mar 15, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

dumb move, jackson’s gameplan has nothing to do with nothing.. the better man is gonna win, the fighters form their own gameplans when there in their fighting.

by RoB on Mar 15, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

rashad is a good fighter as well. he has the foot movement and the speed. im just saying jackson will make a gameplan using rashads strengths to crack machida

by Jared on Mar 15, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions

ok, i just can’t stand ppl giving too much cred to greg jackson after his fighters wins.. Rashad is gonna try to win this fight standing for sure

by RoB on Mar 15, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Gameplans are thrown out the window once you get punched in the face. Hehe!

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 15, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I used to despise machida, now I love him. Machida is the type of fighter you would want to be if you were a samurai fighting in a war. He is not always a crowd pleaser, but instead he stays elusive and nearly impossible to attack then when you are at your weakest and vulnerable, BOOM. Strike. Attack.

He has become the ultimate strategist and also the best at avoiding damage and inflicting damage. This is the strategy of war, no?

So although it may make for more of a thinking game for 15 out of 20 minutes or 20 out of 25 minutes, he is still the best at winning fights and while it isn’t a blood bath it is exciting to see excellence.

I can enjoy his evasion as much as I enjoy a nice crisp punch to the jaw now, before I couldn’t.

by Bennie Blanco from the Bronx on Mar 15, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL! sure he will, YOU think Rashad is going to chase Machida? what for? what does Machida has that he wants…NOTHING. If Machida wants the belt, “come get it”, you swear Rashad is stupid, and if it becomes a boring fight as 95% of Machida’s fights are, and goes to decision, the Judges are not giving Machida ANYTHING.

by Lycan on Mar 15, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

machida will take this, unless evans can corner him off to avoid kicks and use his speed! could evans take him down, machida threw tito around like a rag doll everytime tito attempted one!!

by jslim on Mar 14, 2009 10:52 PM EDT reply actions

i’m taking evans on this fight, he has the tools to do it, and i can see his camp executing a very good gameplan

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 14, 2009 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

Rashad’s tools are all power tools, Machida’s tools are a mixture of Power and Precision tools. Better equipped than rashad definitely.

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 14, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

i dunno dudes, i think this is gonna be one long, slow-going fight… rashad won’t play lyoto’s “chase me down” games, so i think the collisions are gonna be few and far between. but… who knows… this match needed to happen anyways.

by Andiesel on Mar 14, 2009 10:57 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting to see Machida is the heavy favorite. I think Rashad can beat him at his own game and take the decision. The only thing I’m sure of is that this will be frustrating to watch.

by brandongk4 on Mar 14, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

i say machida by sub 3rd rd
im goin to vegas that day placing money if machida underdog

by phenomenal angel on Mar 14, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

Dont know who will win but I’ll say this much…..This is the best match up for Rampage. I dont think he could handle Machida. Machida would counter punch and chop away with leg kicks. Forrest was nothing compared to what Machida would have done. If anyone can beat Machida, it will be Rashad by being patient and if he doesnt win Rampage will have that much more time and footage to develop his game plan against the Dragon. On the other hand if Rashad wins, he will have eliminated Machida from title contention for Rampage and I believe Rampage would have a VERY good chance against Rashad. They seem like the same style fighter but Rampage is a stronger version with better striking. Rashad may be faster on the feet but unless he quickly develops his leg kicks his speed will not be a factor to Rampage’s precision.

by Venzia on Mar 14, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

I agree. Rampage made the smart choice. He would have potentially had to fight both of these guys now he only has to fight one.

by brandongk4 on Mar 15, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

i agree venzia i think rampage would have a way better shot against rashad than machida

by Jared on Mar 15, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

i LIKE MACHIDA AND PREFER HIM TO WIN BUT i REALLY WANNA SEE BLACK ON BLACK CRIME

by The Philicutioner on Mar 14, 2009 11:25 PM EDT reply actions

Phil…You will see “BLACK ON BLACK CRIME” because Machida will finish Rashad first, then Rampage.

by UFC Champ on Mar 15, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

nope, after shad beat Machida, then we’ll see it

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 16, 2009 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions

We’re gonna see some Black House on black crime.

by PJJ on Mar 15, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it’s now, not know, mania. I got Machida in this fight, but both have had questions about their cardio in the past.

by DB on Mar 14, 2009 11:29 PM EDT reply actions

I see Rashad winning this .. he’s got fast hands and nasty power also one of the smartest and most calm fighters in the cage .. I got Rashad by TKO in the 4th round

by Jakob on Mar 14, 2009 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

agreed jakob, rashad is just as patient, he will catch him or win a long boring decision

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 14, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Rashad will have to knock him out to get the win. I just can’t see Rashad outpointing Machida, but if he can catch him he can certainly knock him out.

by Jrandolph on Mar 15, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Rashad is cool I pick him over page, but not this fight, sure he can be patient but if so there won’t be action, ppl always say they’re gonna put the game on machida and not chase and they get so frustrated they start chasing. Chuck got caught cus he pressed forward, same for forrest, machida won’t, maybe if rashad comes in like he fought in the past attack, run, head movement but truth be told I think this is the only fight that can dethrone one or the other, page is just meat for the next fight.

by phenomenal angel on Mar 15, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I like Machida’s mental attitude. Every fight starts in the mind. As long as Machida sticks to his gameplan, I find it hard for Rashad to close the distance. It will be interesting to see how Rashad deals with the footwork and elusiveness of Machida. At this point I cannot hate on Machida, his style has grown on me. He is the thinker inside the cage. He reacts to his surroundings and opponents. When it is time to engage, he gets inclose enough to strike, then he is out of range like a ghost.

But in all honesty, this fight can go either way. I want Rashad to win so when can immeadiately see some black on black crime.

Although I would like to see how Rampage matches up against Machida. Because I feel that Machida will not be able to out muscle Rampage, and when Rampage comes in with the takedown, how will Machida react to an opponent who has one of the best chins in the game. Not only that but Rampage powers out of any submission, so can Machida win if the fight hits the ground?

by Eddie on Mar 14, 2009 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

I like Machida, I just don’t think he’s the best LHW fighter. I haven’t seen enough from him to make me think he will beat Rashad or Rampage. Rashad takes this fight.

by Diceman on Mar 15, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Even if Rashad is a patient wrassler, Machida is just as patient, and waits for the slightest cracks to open up. It has been said a million times that it’s already cliche, Machida is “elusive”. Rashad won’t catch an elusive ghost! but if you ask me, I have the perfect gameplan to beat Machida!

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

So Rashad won’t beat him even with Jackson coming up with his gameplan, but you’ve got the solution…

by Diceman on Mar 15, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Rashad wins this fight simply because he’s a better, faster more explosive athlete.. and he’s also a real fighter that knows how to fight Machida just knows how to score.. this one is gonna get nasty and Rashad is gonna knock him out!

by RoB on Mar 15, 2009 12:12 AM EDT reply actions

So the undefeated guy who’s taken the least punishment & never lost a round in 5 years doesn’t know how to fight & only knows how to score? No matter how much you like Rashad or how much you may hate Machida your logic just doesn’t make any sense.

by Machine on Mar 15, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve noticed that lately, MMA Mania has been trying to be witty with their headlines like Cage Potato. But the thing is, it’s just stupid. Your attempts at humor are lame MMA Mania, leave the wisecracks to Cage Potato.

by Matt on Mar 15, 2009 12:32 AM EDT reply actions

hmm im sure rashad’s camp will prep him to not foolishly chase after machida in an attempt to strike with the stand up game, so i wonder how machida’s camp will counter. maybe focus on takedowns/leg sweeps and ground game?

by rich on Mar 15, 2009 12:36 AM EDT reply actions

I can foresee losts of boos from the fans if Evans doesn’t fall in to Machida’s plan, I prefer Evans as a champ cause can sure hype up a fight and its fun to hate him.

by Bigmcmac on Mar 15, 2009 1:29 AM EDT reply actions

See…proof that you don’t have to be the good guy in order to be a draw. THanks for speaking your mind Bigmcmac!

by Machine on Mar 15, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Machida KO Evans

by Cory on Mar 15, 2009 2:14 AM EDT reply actions

I give machida the edge but who knows whats going to happen, all I know is its going to be a great fight which I can’t wait to see.

by raff on Mar 15, 2009 2:32 AM EDT reply actions

i don’t see lyoto winning, but if he does it will sure as hell not be a KO, shad’s chin is not silva’s, settle down cowboys

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 15, 2009 3:18 AM EDT reply actions

all i know is whoever wins just needs to take care of that belt and keep it shinny for when Rampage comes and takes it back!

by SluggerCitySoldier on Mar 15, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

woowoo
ALL ABOARD THE RAMPAGE WARWAGON

by Jared on Mar 15, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m in the engine room throwing coal in the furnace…Rampage will beat Rashad after Sugar beats Machida.

by Diceman on Mar 15, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

WORD G!!!

by SluggerCitySoldier on Mar 15, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Brute force and wrestling isn’t enough to win over honed technique.

Just like Anderson Silva wins by laser focused strikes, Machida will win because of his combination of fighting styles.

The new breed of Brazilian fighters are going to dominate for a while.

by DubNub on Mar 15, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

I like both these guys. But promise me, if Rashad KTFO’s Machida, don’t make a bunch of excuses and say “X will beat Rashad!”

by Bill Maher on Mar 15, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Rashad was able to get the Iceman to cahse him. This could be a really strategic fight, but it seems that Rashad has more tools to finish the fight. Also, Machida could not finish BJ Peen when they fought, which I’m sure Rashad could. However, of the three opponents they share (Sam Hoger, Stephan Bonner and Tito Ortiz) Machida did better.

by Bobby on Mar 15, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions

I can see where you’re coming from but your “Sam Hoger, Stephan Bonner and Tito Ortiz” MMATH can’t be valid if because it never works for anyone except by complete and utter chance.

AS far as him not finishing BJ you’ve got to realize that although Penn has been stopped he’s never been finished by anyone.

by Machine on Mar 15, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Lyoto will win Rashad no probs I can’t see it any other way. And I can’t see Rampage getting anywhere near him either.

by MrAngry on Mar 15, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

I am curious to see the game plan of Evans. I bet he waits for Machida and does not chase him. This would be interesting to see. However, I am sure Machida will be ready for these antics.

by DownUnder on Mar 15, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

there’s no way Evans will chase him

by ufcfanatic23 on Mar 16, 2009 3:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Machida should win this one:

1. Machida’s a much better striker – the two of them might be close in terms of hand speed and power, but Machida has several times the amount of experience, much better technique and precision, and vastly better kicks.

2. Rashad Evans, while certainly extremely athletic, is only a good wrestler, not a great one. His collegiate record is mediocre, and his ability to take people down mostly came into play during his early fights, when he fought much less skilled opponents.

Given Machida’s performance against Tito Ortiz, Evans’ wrestling simply isn’t likely to be much of a threat.

3. Neither of them is known for their BJJ, but in terms of experience, Machida is, once again, way ahead. It’s not likely to be a factor, but if it is, significant advantage Machida.

4. I don’t know which one of them is faster / more elusive – how quick you look depends a lot on your opponents, and is hard to gauge at the best of times – but Machida demonstrably takes less damage from his enemies. Evans could very well be faster on his feet (the “amazing athlete” factor) but it definitely doesn’t translate into being ale to avoid a blow better for him. At best, a wash.

5. No one has any idea how good Machida’s chin is, whereas Evans’ seems to be very good – then again, there’s a reason why we don’t know more about Machida’s chin, he doesn’t get hit on it. Still, advantage Evans…

None of this means that I think this will be a blowout, but logically speaking, saying Evans has an advantage is would just be wishful thinking. (of course, the same was true of Serra vs. GSP #1… sometimes wild-ass wishes do come true)

by MattNY on Mar 15, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

Good points MattNY. I can’t say I’m in 100% agreement with your entire post but you bring up some valid points and some clear perspective.

Here’s my personal outlook on the whole thing:

Rashad, Machida & Rampage are 3 of my all-time fav’s. So no matter who wins, I win but one of my fav’s will take an “L” and so do I. Which consequentially means someones undefeated streak will end as well. It’s bitter-sweet.

I expect “Sugar” to give Machida the toughest fight of his UFC career. With that being said, it’s still hard for me to pick a winner but I’m choosing Machida (sorry Rashad) by decision. I won’t root for one over the other but that’s how I see it happening.

They both know how to find a way to win and they both adjust very well to their opponents on the fly. However, the key difference here is that Lyoto’s never lost a round in his entire UFC career…(launches another browser to confirm with Wikipedia)…correction! He hasn’t lost a round since 2004!!! So yeah, both guys being undefeated (1 champ & the other top contender) means they know how to win and win the big ones but the facts aren’t subjective and they speak for themselves. The Dragon not only knows how to win but win’s decisively.

Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida by Majority Decision

by Machine on Mar 15, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Matt I respect your opinion and appreciate the breakdown but there are a few flaws in my opinion.

Striking – Machida is a little more technical and he has better kicks…but he lacks power and uses his strikes to score points. Rashad’s hand speed is second to none and Machida is not close to Rashad in terms of power.

Wrestling – Rashad is a great MMA wrestler. He’s been able to take down any fighter he has tried to take down…including heavyweights. He learned that used too much energy on takedowns and choose not to concentrate on them anymore and only takes them when the opportunity is there instead of trying to make the takedowns happen over and over again.

Kitz – Machida trains with some great jitz fighters and although I haven’t seen his jitz much I’d give hiim the advantage there despite never seeing Rashad’s jitz EVER. He’s never needed it cause he’s never on his back.

I think they are close to being equal in terms of footwork. Rashad is better at side stepping and ducking while Machida is better at backpedlling keeping his opponents at a safe distance. Neither one of these guys has ever taken on serious damage but Rashad’s chin has been tested more often and I don’t recall even ever seeing him dazed at all. I can’t see Machida being the first to do that.

The biggest problems that Machida poses are his jitz if Rashad has him on his back, Machida’s kicks, and Machida’s counter punches while backpeddling. Other than that…it’s the champ’s fight to lose.

by Buster Bluth on Mar 15, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions

good posts. Only point I would like to add Buster is that. People knock Machida’s power/ability to end a fight…but I think he is just like Rashad. Shad couldnt finish a fight to save his life, but now he is destroying people because he has found his comfort zone. I honestly believe that Machida has finally found his comfort zone, and know we are going to start seeing him finish people more often than not!

also, you dont need hand power to ko someone. Machida is more then capable of damaging rashad with kicks and knees. Not to mention that pin point accuracy compensates for lack of power!

all I got to say is that it will be a great fight between 2 of the best 3 lHW’s on earth!

by john on Mar 15, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Rashad will move backwards the entire time, and Machida will move back and to the side.
They might actually meet and throw a punch sometime in round 2.

by KS on Mar 15, 2009 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

Definitely will be a candidate for snoozer of the year. I will probably be betting someone on the night of the fight that this will go to a decision.

Some might say that Machida and Evans will engage and throw down like never before. I say that the Machida/T.Silva fight was a fluke, and we will see the “Tito Ortiz version” of Machida show up. Rashad tends to dance around, too. Sure he beat a 38 year old Chucky, but that doesn’t mean he will be able to even hit Machida.

I don’t see how this can be an extremely entertaining fight.

by CaranoForPresident2012 on Mar 15, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Rashad, Machida and Rampage are 3 of my all-time fav’s. So no matter who wins, me and one of my fav’s lose because someone’s taking their first “L” come fight night (crosses fingers for a draw). It’s bitter-sweet.

I expect “Sugar” to give Machida the toughest fight of his UFC career. With that being said, It’s crazy tough for me to pick a winner but I’m choosing Machida (sorry Rashad) by decision. I won’t root for one over the other but that’s how I see it happening. They both know how to find a way to win and they both adjust to their opponents on the fly. However, the key difference here is that the Dragon’s never lost a round in his entire UFC career…..(Steps away to check wikipedia) correction! Hasn’t lost a round since 2004!!! So yeah, they both know how to win and win the big ones but the facts show us Machida knows how to win “better”.

by Machine on Mar 15, 2009 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

Whatever weaknesses Machida has will be exposed by Evan’s and one of the best trainers in the game ‘Jackson’. We can all say we know this and that but I can say for sure Evan’s coach Jackson know’s three times what the average hardcore fan knows. Evan’s will have the best gameplan but will he be able to stick to it or will it be enough of advantage is the question. Either way this should be a great fight and expecting a close battle.

by Beaver on Mar 15, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

I think machida wins this one.

by nathan on Mar 15, 2009 9:57 PM EDT reply actions

I think this may come down to who has better conditioning and cardio.Both are ellusive fighters and hard to hit so this may go into round 4 or 5 and neither Lyoto or Rashad have gone that far in any fight in their careers.Machida has never fought a title fight and Rashad has only had one before but that ended in the 3rd round so it’ll be interesting to see who can last if it goes to a fourth or fifth round.

by MMA-Fan on Mar 16, 2009 7:24 AM EDT reply actions

Lyoto will will win 2nd round tko. Rashad does have good wrestling but Machida is definitly the stronger one, he had Tito Ortiz like a rag doll wich Rashad couldnt do.Rashad has never faced on opponent that likes to be chased like himself, He won’t know what to do. Once the crowd starts booing at them him being tha champ he will get over aggresive and get caught.

by danny_c on Mar 16, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions

Some of the best posts I have seen in a long time! Matt and Machine great breakdowns and some good info! The one thing about this fight that is interesting is that Rashad depends a lot on anticipation and timing in his stand up. You could say the same about Machida be he may be awkward enough and smart enough to beat Rashad at his own game. Rashad will be the one that lets us know how good Machida really is. What a good mix of skill sets to match up. Looking forward to see who gets exposed. Machida in the 4th by TKO.