Enter the Dragon: An MMAmania.com UFC 98 interview exclusive with Lyoto Machida
by Brian Oswald on May 15, 2009 12:43 PM EDT
79 comments
Elusive. Methodical. Unbeaten.
There are plenty of adjectives available to describe Lyoto Machida's style inside the Octagon. One not frequently heard, however, was "aggressive."
That all changed at UFC 94.
"The Dragon" gave fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva a taste of his own medicine when he knocked him out on the main card of "St. Pierre vs. Penn 2" this past January.
It was an exclamation point on the evolution of his career, which at times was criticized for being a bit too elusive -- even boring at times.
That same style was also believed to be the reason Machida was being denied, what many considered, a long overdue title shot. Unfazed, Machida remained loyal to himself and to his craft, and in the process changed the way fans and fighters view the effectiveness of Karate inside the Octagon.
Now Machida has been given one final test: A UFC 98 light heavyweight title fight against undefeated champion "Sugar" Rashad Evans. Like Machida, Evans faced early criticism for his ability to finish -- until he knocked out former 205-pound kingpin Chuck Liddell.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Machida a day before he flew out of Brazil for his trip to "Sin City." He touched on everything from his relationship with Anderson Silva, his respect of Fedor Emelianenko, the upcoming title fight with Rashad Evans and a whole lot more.
Check it out:
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Your father is Shotokan Karate Master Yoshizo Machida. What was your relationship like with your father growing up?
Lyoto Machida: My father was a very tough guy with me and my brothers. He wanted to teach us a lot of discipline and life philosophy. As I became more interested in martial arts, he started teaching a lot of fighting philosophy and karate philosophy. While he was a tough father, he also knew when to be sweet and show a softer side.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You were born the third son. What is your relationship like with your two older brothers and what do they do for a career?
Lyoto Machida: We had a close relationship and spend a lot of time together growing up talking about everything that went on. One of my brothers teaches karate at our gym and also handles the administrative side of the gym. My other brother is a fighter like me and teaches a class at the gym. So my brothers are always at the gym together training.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You began training in karate at the age of three and earned a black belt at the age of 13. You began training in sumo at 12 and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 15. Can you tell us about those three different art forms and how each one helps you as a mixed martial artist?
Lyoto Machida: Karate is my main martial art; that is what I train in every day. It has always been in my life. Sumo is another Japanese martial art that I got into at an early age. It is something that has helped and added to my overall stance and is a good base. It is not something I necessarily use in all my fights though.
I have been practicing Jiu-Jitsu ever since I started watching the UFC. I knew it was something I had to learn to be a full rounded fighter. I wanted to be prepared for when BJJ guys would come to my karate gym and challenge us to a fight.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): In your fight with Thiago Silva you appeared to be more aggressive and looked to finish the fight early on. Did you change your style for that fight because MMA fans thought your style was too elusive and unorthodox?
Lyoto Machida: A lot of it has to do with wanting to please my fans; that is something I feel I need to do. It is also me training and growing more mature. Seeing the mistakes that I have made has allowed me to evolve into a different fighter; being more aggressive out there.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Your unorthodox southpaw stance is what really frustrates your opponents. Do you consider that your greatest advantage in the cage?
Lyoto Machida: The way I stand and my posture really complicates my opponents; they don’t understand it and don’t know what to do about. The way I stand there in front of them really throws them off. Karate is certainly my greatest advantage; being able to adapt it to MMA makes me stand out.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Tito Ortiz said you were very elusive and it was tough to chase you down. He called you a great fighter. What did you learn about yourself as a warrior in your fight with Ortiz?
Lyoto Machida: I grew a lot as a fighter in that fight. First of all, Tito is a big name and people were cheering for Tito. He is one of the most famous out there still and a lot of my learning involved fighting such a big name in the States. Also, when Tito had me in the triangle I learned a lot about myself, how to calm down, come to my senses, and get out of it.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Anderson Silva has said he would never fight for the light heavyweight belt because he feels you are the rightful heir to the crown. How do you feel about Anderson Silva and his statement?
Lyoto Machida: I am great friends with Anderson and it makes me happy to hear him say that. I think Anderson if the type of fighter that could win the belt at any weight class. It all depends on his weight and how he cuts it. Anderson is so multi–talented he can do well wherever he wants. I am happy that Anderson has his own weight class to fight in; I believe I can win the belt in my weight class so the situation makes me happy.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): The two MMA fighters who have been hit the least in the cage are you and Fedor Emelianenko. What are your thoughts on Fedor as a fighter and what are your thoughts on his primary discipline, Sambo?
Lyoto Machida: Fedor is a well deserving champion; he is a very determined guy. Fedor has adapted his Sambo to great lengths for MMA. Fedor knows exactly what he wants and determined to get what he wants. He prepares himself both physically and mentally. He is so well conditioned and such a well rounded fighter.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You recently said that you have developed a game plan around Rashad Evans style of fighting. What is Rashad’s greatest strength and what is his greatest weakness?
Lyoto Machida: Rashad is definitely a well rounded fighter. He has got really fast hands and really good takedowns. I don’t want to get into his weaknesses here; I will leave that for the fans to see May 23. What I can say; the weakness Rashad has is where I will catch him.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): If Rashad is able to take you to the ground and get in your guard will you be comfortable fighting off your back and work for submissions?
Lyoto Machida: I have trained for that a lot so if Rashad happens to end up in my guard…he will become very bothered because I will not stop attacking from that position.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): If you beat Rashad Evans at your UFC 98 title fight, you will face Quinton "Rampage" Jackson next. What are your thoughts on him as a fighter?
Lyoto Machida: Quinton is definitely a tough fighter and his strengths are obvious. I am not thinking about Quinton though. I will focus on Rashad and see what happens after the fight.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You have an undefeated record in MMA. Is your undefeated record important to you or something you think about?
Lyoto Machida: My perfect record, for sure, it is something that is important to me. It is not something I think about too much though or else you become stuck on the thought of keeping a perfect record and that is where the pressure begins.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): It seems important for a fighter from another country to speak good English to be more marketable. You gave a great speech after your UFC 94 fight. Are you improving your English so you can speak to those fans more?
Lyoto Machida: I have been studying a lot of English, reading a lot. I am learning my English. I am looking forward to fighting in the States; I am going to be speaking English a lot more this time.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You have said ever since you saw Royce Gracie fight in the UFC you wanted to do no-rules fighting. What do you think about the current rules in MMA and would you change any of the current rules?
Lyoto Machida: I like the rules because it adds to the show. If it were not for the rules it would not be such a big spectacle; so the rules make sense for the sport.
Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Thank you Lyoto. We look forward to seeing you use your ‘body as a sword’ at UFC 98.
Lyoto Machida: Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to being out there for the fans May 23.
(MMAmania.com's Adam Wagner contributed to this report.)
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Great interview, I have to admit, I became a Lyoto fan after the Thiago fight. I really like his attitude and his style
by Kibs on May 15, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I used to hate Machida but now I know his style. To inflict as much pain while avoiding damage.
This is a true warrior. Think art of war, think intelligence.
To sit there and be a tough guy and say, “you hit me! I hit you!” Is just DUMB fighting and in the real world, a true warrior shouldn’t expose himself for damage unless he is going to inflict pain on you.
by Bennie Blanco on May 15, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you just figured that out huh? Its funny how people embrace something successful after hating on it for so long. This reminds me of the kid who goes out to buy the hat for the team who just won the superbowl even though they didn’t like the team before.
by JRE on May 15, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another great interview Brain. I’ve always like Machida, I think the way he fights is really beautiful to watch. His fight with Evans is gonna be a really interesting chess match- but I have Machida ftw.
by DSmith on May 15, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love that pic…very nice job Mania.
Brian…another awesome interview. I’m not sure how you conducted this interview but did you notice if his English is improving and was there anything that was difficult for you to understand? Also…do you have a prediction for this fight?
by Buster Bluth on May 15, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got a prediction..
Pain..
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ain’t gots no tiiiiiime for da jibba-jabba!!!
by Jeremyjackson on May 15, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I am also curious if Brian and Adam noticed anything about his improving english. He will need it to improve because as the next champion, he has to coach opposite of Rampage on TUF.
I am so damn Jealous that you guys got to talk to this man. I am such a die hard Machida fan. To me it really sounds like Machida has found a glaring chink in Rashad’s undefeated armor, and he is going to capitalize on it to win the title. YOu guys think Greg Jackson is good? Machida and his father are Genius’s!! Not to mention working with anderson n the Nog brothers cant hurt!
by john on May 15, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine if the game plan was to keep taking down Rashad. I wonder how Rashad would cope off his back. Just a thought. GSP did it to Koscheck.
Maybe he can score consistently with low leck kicks. I’m really interested to see him execute his gameplan.
by RobH86 on May 15, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s going to be a great strategic fight for those of us that enjoy the tactical and strategic aspects of MMA. I’m sure there will be some that criticize the methods the two use to feel out other fighters but everything is calculated.
I just don’t see what Lyoto can do to really hurt Rashad. He’s not going to KO him and Rashad has never been in danger of a sub that I’ve ever seen. I just don’t see how Machida can win other than decision but Rashad can win by more ways than that. I think Greg Jackson will find a way to get to Machida. His gameplan to use dirty boxing to tire BJ out and drain his core strength was bang on and I expect some suttle strategies that we may not be able to see until after the fight and Jackson explains it. If Machida thinks he can come after Rashad and be agressive then I see a trip to ER for Machida and a scary message sent to Rampage about what’s in store for him next.
by Buster Bluth on May 15, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha. yes, he looks like Ryu.
by Don "The Prophet" King on May 15, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Twin brother and his wife just had a baby they named it Ryu Lyoto. Ryu is a Japanese name and his wife is japanese but talk about a fan of Lyoto! He teaches jiu jitsu here and has said from day one that lyoto would take the belt. He called it. Always said as soon as they get a karate guy that knows some jiu-jitsu and a touch of muay thia it’s over. That is the future of mma. Not getting hit is the benefit to real karate not the crap people take at 6 years old
by hatteras on May 15, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
..I think I used to hate Machida but now I know his style. To inflict as much pain while avoiding damage.
This is a true warrior. Think art of war, think intelligence.
To sit there and be a tough guy and say, “you hit me! I hit you!” Is just DUMB fighting and in the real world, a true warrior shouldn’t expose himself for damage unless he is going to inflict pain on you.
by Bennie Blanco on May 15, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoa, whoa there buddy, you jumped on the wrong wagon, the machida wagon posts are below.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bennie-
Preach on. And your post can go anywhere considering this is a MACHIDA thread.
by OJR on May 15, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going for Evans for two reasons even though I hate that guy with a passion.
1. I want the belt to stay in America.(yes I know, but I’m a Texan and I want America to be the best even though almost half the belts are held by foreigners.)
2. I’ve become a fan of Rampage from watching him the past year and I would love nothing more than to see him knock Rashad the hell out!
by bigbadbrad on May 15, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There a video of Lyoto Machida Training…
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/?go=forum.posts&thread=1459074&forum=1&page=1&pc=21
WAR SUGA!
by Alpha Male 360 on May 15, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bigbadbrad… wow definition of ultimate fighter
by Clinton Jackson (formerly Jared) on May 15, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im getting sick of this Lyoto vs Evans crap….evans is an idiot..i never liked him..ever since his fatass was on the ultimate fighter show.
by What? on May 15, 2009 1:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He beat Chuck and Forrest and is now champion. I doubt he will have any sleepless nights over you not liking him. If that’s you Matt Hughes, you should concentrate on Serra and leave Rashad alone. Should be a good fight. I have always like both and don’t mind who wins.
by Ade on May 16, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice interview, although I admit to being a Machida nuthugger.
“Body as a sword” – very zen.
by OJR on May 15, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice interview Brian. I hope Lyoto is aggressive again in this fight. I really respect the way he fights.
by LJ on May 15, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thiago Silva had heavy hands, nobody probably thought Machida would KO him. This just goes to show even further what Machida can bring to the table. Evans is definitely no joke, but I think Machida has the edge here, he will be holding the title for quite some time.
by JS on May 15, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed. Machida has proven himself against great strikers and great wrestlers already. Evans is overrated and everyone will see it on the 23rd.
by Don "The Prophet" King on May 15, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Switch the names Machida and Evans and that statement holds true.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Machida KOed Silva because he was on his back and his head had no where to go. If he punched him like that without the support of the ground it would not have knocked him out. Machida doesn’t have that kind of power to KO someone on his feet. Plus Silva has demonstrated a weak chin againt Mendes as well.
by Buster Bluth on May 15, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys are funny. Evans didn’t know how to throw a punch three years ago. Machida has been training high-level striking all his life. Machida is going to school Evans while Evans swings at empty air.
by Jeremyjackson on May 15, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That and Silva really wasn’t proven to be a top LHW in my opinion, I think Thiago’s highest profile win up to that fight was over Houston Alexander (no explanation required). The only name opponent Machida has a solid win on is Tito Ortiz, and Tito hasn’t looked good in years. Ortiz was not a threat in the striking, that made defending the TD’s easy imo.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point JJ, 3 years ago Evans didn’t know how to throw a punch, in only 3 years he’s come far enough to KO Chuck Liddell, pretty damn impressive in that context.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is very impressive, but it won’t be impressive enough to catch Machida with a shot like that.
by Jeremyjackson on May 15, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Machida’s record :
January 31, 2009 Win Thiago Silva UFC 94: St-Pierre vs. Penn 2 KO (Punches) 1 4:59 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Won Knockout Of The Night honors.
02008-05-24 May 24, 2008 Win Tito Ortiz UFC 84: Ill Will Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
02007-12-29 December 29, 2007 Win Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou UFC 79: Nemesis Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) 2 4:18 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
02007-09-22 September 22, 2007 Win Kazuhiro Nakamura UFC 76: Knockout Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, USA
02007-04-21 April 21, 2007 Win David Heath UFC 70: Nations Collide Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Manchester, England
02007-02-03 February 3, 2007 Win Sam Hoger UFC 67: All or Nothing Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
02006-07-22 July 22, 2006 Win Vernon White WFA: King of the Streets Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, USA
02006-04-29 April 29, 2006 Win Dimitri Wanderley Jungle Fight 6 TKO (Forfeit) 3 0:40 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
02005-03-26 March 26, 2005 Win B.J. Penn K-1 Hero’s 1 Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Machida fought at a weight of 215 lb. Penn weighed in at 187 lb.
02004-05-22 May 22, 2004 Win Sam Greco K-1 MMA ROMANEX Decision (Split) 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
02004-03-14 March 14, 2004 Win Michael McDonald K-1 Beast 2004 Submission (Forearm Choke) 1 2:30 Saitama, Japan
02003-12-31 December 31, 2003 Win Rich Franklin Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003-Inoki Festival TKO (Head Kick and Punches) 2 1:03 Kobe, Japan
02003-09-13 September 13, 2003 Win Stephan Bonnar Jungle Fight 1 TKO (Cut) 1 4:21 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
02003-05-02 May 2, 2003 Win Kengo Watanabe NJPW: Ultimate Crush Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Cut and Paste
by OJR on May 15, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeremy-
Whats even funnier is the claim that Tito is the only name on his win list.
Apparently Franklin and BJ are a bunch of scrubs…
I cut and pasted Machida’s record.
In moderation…
by OJR on May 15, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ, BJ Penn fights at 155, whats impressive about beating a guy removed 3 weight class’s? Rich was beaten before he was even UFC champ, well before coming into his own.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After Machida makes “Suga” look clueless you guys will all be forced to bow down and accept the mans GREATNESS!!!
by john on May 15, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ, I don’t think he’ll catch Machida with a quitter either, but I do think his striking is good enough to make his TD’s more effective. Getting KO’d is something Machida didn’t have to worry about with Tito, it’s a definate possibility with Rashad; I’m lookin for top control and GnP for a UD/TKO win for Evans.
by O damn he got caught on May 15, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually john i’ve been watching machida’s fight since the Franklin fight(2003)so almost since the beginning of his career!I know how great he is.
I drop off the wagon at the Tito’s fight b/c of his sudden popularity.I know it’s cheesy to drop your fighters when,they are finally reaching the top!But it just bother me to see all these new"casual fans" saying that he’s the best when,they don’t understand a thing in striking technique!
by Alpha Male 360 on May 15, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rashad is a damn good striker and yes he isn’t as technical as Machida but he has great hand speed and great power in those punches and that makes his striking dangerous. Machida’s striking is used more to score points than to really go for the kill and to damage. He hasn’t really hurt any of his opponents other than Silva…he just outpoints them. I have no doubt in my mind that Rashad is going to be able to close the distance faster than anyone Lyoto has faced and he’s going to clip his chin and it’s going to hurt.
by Buster Bluth on May 15, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although I’m a HUGE Rashad fan I have nothing but love and respect for Machida and I think he poses a lot of problems. I love his style and I’ve always loved watching him fight.
by Buster Bluth on May 15, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odamn, it was your mortal nemesis, OJ to the R who brought up Franklin and Penn.
I think you’ve got a point about Rashad’s quick strikes setting up takedowns more effectively than Tito did, but IMO you’re underestimating Machida’s underhook clinch strength and his awesome balance and footwork.
If Rashad does get him down, I don’t think Machida is exactly helpless off his back, and it will be damn hard to keep him there.
Machida hits harder than you give him credit for. In many of his fights he has thrown pitter-patters on the way to decisions, but he can throw a hard shot right down the pipe, and while he may not have one-punch KO power, he has the reach and speed to land several in a row. I wouldn’t be that surprised if he TKO’d Rashad, but a UD victory is probably the likeliest outcome.
by Jeremyjackson on May 15, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ!I think that Suga will be capable to close the distance,while eating,ones of Machida’s strikes.B/c when Machida’s throws his right jabs,he’s also make a huge step foward.If Suga,can sustain the blow,while stepping forwards then he,can clip Machida’s pretty hard.Plus when he’s getting hits,he have a tendency to backpedal without any type of guards.So i wouldn’t be surprise if that happens b/c it as a high probability of happening!
by Alpha Male 360 on May 15, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don-
I think both are deserving warriors. Rashad is talented and is only going to get better. Scary upside for him.
Same for Machida.
Neither is overrated. Both have been impressive.
by OJR on May 15, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Evans in the 3rd round by TKO…guaran-SHEEEEEEED!
by TheOne on May 15, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been undecided but Machida, Machida, Machida.
by rydinlow on May 15, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Machida all the way.
I just don’t see him losing.
by Americana on May 15, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good interview Brian! But why oh why didn’t you ask him about drinking his piss??? Beating a dead horse?
He is a very smart dude and learning English will only help his wallet. Props for that… He is starting to turn me into a real fan, ESPECIALLY when he is fighing agaisn’t one of the biggest a-hole’s in MMA!
by BNF on May 15, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im a big fan og lyoto because he uses karate on mma and he has an undefeated record at mma, its seems that something its working well in that area, Rashad you will have your first loss against Lyoto
by Mario Mayans on May 15, 2009 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lyoto is a Master in the cage. I don’t see him getting caught by Evans. Machida will be the top LHW for awhile after May 23rd!!
by Dman087953 on May 15, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see anybody in the LHW division that I would favor in a fight against Machida. While anything can happen, it is much less likely to happen with somebody who takes so little damage. Machida will defeat Rashad and Rampage.
Call me crazy, but I actually think somebody like Forrest, with his size and kicks, might be a bigger threat against Machida.
by San Jose Rob on May 15, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No way, Forrest is too slow for Machida.
WAR MACHIDA!!!
by Don "The Prophet" King on May 15, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was kind of cool when he said he fights for the fans and wanted to put on a show. Alot of fighters stick to “a wins a win” mentality and have boring fights.
by robbyc on May 15, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that my friends is the definition of a true SMART fighter, i love his style and demeanor he def will kick overated evans ass and hold taht belt for quite a while i actually think guys like cane, and shogun are his biggest threats
by oscar on May 15, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That Picture makes him look like RYU from Street Fighter 2.
by Doubled on May 15, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
in that picture and the nickname dragon, he reminds me of ricky steamboat, the wwf wrestler. too bad that guy was more entertaining than machida. i see him winning this fight by decision or tko. i like rashad but he seems to gas in his fights and machida will wear him out.
by bobby o'shea on May 15, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Both guys are undefeated, so it’s hard to say either is overrated. I do think this will be the toughest fight either fighter has ever had. I see Lyoto winning though, he is just to superior. I think Rampage is an easier fight for Lyoto than Rashad is, just because Rampage is a little slower. I am not sure that Page would ever be able to hit him. Aside from Sugar, I think that a fully healthy Shogun has the best chance of any fighter to really handle Lyoto. I think Shogun will get that chance sometime next year after Lyoto defeats Sugar and Page. I also think that Shogun will fight Forest on the New Yeas card for the next in line contender, regaurdless of wether Forest wins/loses to Anderson. Shogun will win, and him and Lyoto will be the fight I am most looking forward to if it happens.
by efisher on May 15, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I got Machida on this one. I think that he’s a smarter fighter than Rashad. I think that Machida is the only one that can match Rashad’s speed. I hope Machida wins by Sub.
by Shadyone33 on May 15, 2009 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am still coming around on Machida, I think his style is amazing but he could do much better with a little added agression.
by MMA Shirts on May 15, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Machida has never lost a fight or a round in ufc i dont know about other fights he had but i know he knows what hes doing
and ill love for him to teach me
by droc714 on May 15, 2009 7:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if machida didnt dance around so much he would have gotten a title shot a year and a half ago
by hddavidson on May 15, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i had to research “blue fireball Ryu-ken”.if he beats rashad ill let him drink my urine
by hddavidson on May 16, 2009 1:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i’ve been a fan of lyotos for a long time now, ever since i found out he was a shotokan guy like me. nice to see him use it in the octagon as much as he can. sure hope he wins this belt, humble men like him deserve it.
by thekujo on May 16, 2009 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I all ways know he would be a champion from the first time i see him fight.Good job!I look forward to you’re next fight.I also wondered if you would fight anderson silva?
by monroe on May 29, 2009 4:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Machida completely schooled Evans. Evans’ striking wasn’t that good and still is evolving. All he did was discover he had fast hands and knockout power in his right arm. I think it’s completely sad when Evans had the tools to beat Machida. Evans is explosive and if he timed a right straight with a double leg takedown maybe he could’ve beat Lyoto. I’ve been a Lyoto fan ever since i started watching MMA me being Asian as well I understand the philosophy of hit but don’t get hit back. He used his technique perfectly and laid Raschad’s ass out!
by Hammer on Jun 3, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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