Lyoto Machida vs Jon Jones title fight is best for the light heavyweight division
by SoloMMA on May 3, 2011 1:44 PM EDT
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After watching the dismantling of a legend, Randy Couture, inside the Octagon by Lyoto Machida this past Saturday night at UFC 129, two things became apparent.
First of all, it made for perfect timing for "The Natural" to finally hang up the gloves. On such a grand stage, at such an action packed event, with such a devastating -- and memorable -- finish, it was the right decision to retire. It is never easy to see an amazing athlete leave the game but this was undoubtedly the time to do it..
Secondly, this fight showed "The Dragon" has that fire back in his breath and is ready for another push to the top of the division.
He took the time to find his comfort zone throughout the first round. This zone exists within his rhythm of jumping in and out of an opponents wheelhouse to jab and kick. He's like a rabbit with his otherworldly agility and it proved to be too much for the even-keeled Couture.
When Machida is on, he becomes a different fighter. One even the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of the sport will have trouble dealing with.
If there was ever a time to show that very fact, it's now, and if there was ever an opponent to prove it to, it's current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
Machida is reminiscent of Anderson Silva. With his hand movement and quick side to side strafing, he's nearly untouchable when he wants to be.
The Brazilian has the technicality to hurt someone that has overpowered all previous opponents. Who better than Jones?
This fight is very similar to if Silva were to go up to 205-pounds again to face "Bones." That's a dream match-up that no one will blame you for desperately asking for. However, an alternative is staring us straight in the face in the form of Machida, who already makes his home in the light heavyweight division.
With his rabbit's agility and ability to stay out of his opponents range, not to mention his penchant for frustrating his foes, he could very well have the exact style needed to defeat the dominant champion. He may actually be elusive enough to avoid both the lethal reach of Jones and his stunning and powerful clinch game.
His Karate kicks are just a bonus in this match-up. He doesn't need to be flashy or show off any new wrinkle Steven Seagal may be pushing on him at that particular moment. A proper game plan, with his skills and ability to implement it, will suffice.
Would Machida walk in and run straight through Jones to win back the title? Not at all. But that's precisely what makes the match-up so intriguing. Both men present interesting challenges to the other and there is a clear path to victory on both sides.
The same cannot be said for many of the other current contenders at 205-pounds.
You see Forrest Griffin crack jokes about not wanting to fight Jones because he's such a beast but his smile betrays his true feelings on the matter; he really doesn't want that fight. Couture turned down a bout against the young phenom. Before their recent sandbox spat, Rashad Evans wanted none of him either, albeit for differing reasons.
The point remains, there are few fighters in the world at this moment that are viewed as viable opponents for the freakishly athletic light heavyweight king.
However, there is one that is not just a credible challenger but poses a very real threat to unseat him from his throne: Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida.
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No, a win over Randy doesn’t get you a shot.. Not to mention he’s on a 1 fight win streak LOL.
Just no.
I told you kids Rua was gonna run through Jones, but no one listened. The hype train has made its last stop, and the "mighty" Jon Jones has fallen. Shogun tore him up with his muay thai, and dominated in every aspect of the fight. He came in fully prepared and got the job done, like I knew he would. Still the greatest p4p of all time. And STILL UFC LHW Champ, Mauricio Shogun Rua.
by danago on May 3, 2011 11:49 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Your boyfriend Shogun
was also on a 1 fight win streak when he fought Jones, correct?
ANS, OJR, and Deuce- Next time you're on the same side of the fence as the trolls, take that as a sign that you are WRONG, and come hang out with the rest of us.
by LJ. on May 3, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He wasn’t in line for the shot, he filled in and took it because Machida needed a fight.
He was on 2 wins
I told you kids Rua was gonna run through Jones, but no one listened. The hype train has made its last stop, and the "mighty" Jon Jones has fallen. Shogun tore him up with his muay thai, and dominated in every aspect of the fight. He came in fully prepared and got the job done, like I knew he would. Still the greatest p4p of all time. And STILL UFC LHW Champ, Mauricio Shogun Rua.
by danago on May 3, 2011 1:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
not to mention shogun
was the champion when he fought jones
alot different then getting a title shot of 1 win
I'm talking about when Shogun fought Jones
He lost a fight, then won the title, then fought Jones. He was on a 1 fight win streak when he fought Jones.
ANS, OJR, and Deuce- Next time you're on the same side of the fence as the trolls, take that as a sign that you are WRONG, and come hang out with the rest of us.
by LJ. on May 3, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Shogun was on a 1 fight losing streak when he fought for the title the 2nd time
ANS, OJR, and Deuce- Next time you're on the same side of the fence as the trolls, take that as a sign that you are WRONG, and come hang out with the rest of us.
by LJ. on May 3, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
shogun got robbed against machida then he knocked him the fuck out….end of story stfu about how shogun was on a 1 fight win streak when he fought jones so machida should get a title shot aswell…..SHOGUN WAS CHAMP so obviously he would defend his title after a win
The next Stanley cup champs-----> Detroit RED WINGS
Being a Machida fan, I like the idea of Machida v. Bader first.
eventually a rematch with Rampage.
and I doubt Shogun will regain form to ever compete with Lyoto again, even though they are 1 and 1. I laugh out loud at the thought of Machida competing with the Shogun who showed up to fight Jones.
by JRE on May 3, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That would indeed be laughable.
Shogun showed none of the head movement or light-footedness he had in the Machida fights. Although if you take him on his word that initial knee from Jones messed him up badly.
"Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller
So was Maia
He got ko’d by Nate. Then beat Dan miller by decision then gets a shot at Andy? If they could do that then they can do this for lyoto. Jus saying.
by Mauricio145 on May 3, 2011 4:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
danago gets a rec
Jones would take machida down and scramble his eggs just so he could see the sunny side.
Follow Me On Twitter@KelvinHunt
Double fail
ANS, OJR, and Deuce- Next time you're on the same side of the fence as the trolls, take that as a sign that you are WRONG, and come hang out with the rest of us.
by LJ. on May 3, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL @ you
The Season 1 MMAmania cash pick em pool CHAMPION!
The only MMAmania Fantasy Football CHAMPION!
The Season 3 MMAmania cash pick em pool CHAMPION!
The reigning MMAmania cash pick em pool CHAMPION!
Why not? A win over a guy who should be retired and a BARELY win over a guy who was retired got Shogun a title shot.
Machida is the best possible match up stylistic right now imo. Does that mean he deserves it the most no, but I could get on board for the fight. Like I have stated before I also think Rampage makes a really intriguing fight for Jones since Rampage is so strong and can end the fight with one punch.
Shogun Rua, still only 1 quality win in the UFC and I don't want to hear any garbage excuses about his knee. That is all.
by Edgecrusher71 on May 3, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida, Rampage, and Rashad
Are the most credible threats to Jones, IMO. Machida has excellent footwork, striking, and is a monster in the clinch. Rashad has good boxing, KO power, is athletic and a very good wrestler in his own right. Rampage has KO power, very good defensive boxing in close, and like Machida is a beast in the clinch where Jones likes to be. Plus Page has an iron chin. I like Jones in all of those fights, but I think all 3 of these guys have the experience and physicals attributes to really test Jones and possibly take him to deep water and see what he’s made of. I would love to see any of those 3 fight Jones.
Oh yeah, while I love a Machida-Jones matchup, not now. Machida has some work to do to get there.
"I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."-Michael Scott
I actually agree with you on this one...
I’m a Machida fan no doubt, but he does need to win one more fight to get the shot IMO. I think a rematch with Page makes the most sense, provided he gets past Hammil.
Actually you
All that leaping in karate bs might work on guys with the same/less reach than himself, but what’s he going to do against Jones? Where’s he going to run? You can’t mess around with distance against Jones.
I told you kids Rua was gonna run through Jones, but no one listened. The hype train has made its last stop, and the "mighty" Jon Jones has fallen. Shogun tore him up with his muay thai, and dominated in every aspect of the fight. He came in fully prepared and got the job done, like I knew he would. Still the greatest p4p of all time. And STILL UFC LHW Champ, Mauricio Shogun Rua.
by danago on May 3, 2011 11:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
with that theory
nobody can beat jones..thinking like that wont allow u to imagine what matchups would be intriguing like this one WOULD
This is mma, not kickboxing. A good solid wrestler with great bjj stands the best chance against Jones.
Machida needs to fight an elite striker and actually win. He failed with Rua and Rampage. He’s actually looked really good against wrestlers, time for some strikers.
I told you kids Rua was gonna run through Jones, but no one listened. The hype train has made its last stop, and the "mighty" Jon Jones has fallen. Shogun tore him up with his muay thai, and dominated in every aspect of the fight. He came in fully prepared and got the job done, like I knew he would. Still the greatest p4p of all time. And STILL UFC LHW Champ, Mauricio Shogun Rua.
by danago on May 3, 2011 12:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Rua has his number. And Machida lost on points but he beat Page's ass.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
But he lost the fight.. Yes he left it late but he lost. That’s his own mistake so he needs to fight another striker again.
I told you kids Rua was gonna run through Jones, but no one listened. The hype train has made its last stop, and the "mighty" Jon Jones has fallen. Shogun tore him up with his muay thai, and dominated in every aspect of the fight. He came in fully prepared and got the job done, like I knew he would. Still the greatest p4p of all time. And STILL UFC LHW Champ, Mauricio Shogun Rua.
by danago on May 3, 2011 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't disagree with that assessment at all. Who else is left as a striker at 205?
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Diabate after a few wins :P
Arlovski : Kang : GSP : Rampage : Lytle : Huerta : Quarry : Serra : Wandy : Pulver : Alvarez
Good pick! I would like to see that.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather see Gustaffson get that chance
Considering that he smashed Diabate when they fought.
Still undefeated in pic/sig bets in 2011
Still the leader of Mac's Mania Pool
Thiago Silva is pretty damn close to an "elite" striker.
"Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller
I don't agree with the best chance match against Jones
Someone who’ll take Jones down needs to be a very good striker with a relatively small reach disadvantage (because obviously just about no one in the class has even a similar reach). They also need to have very good takedown defense and a superb bjj background.
The game plan to beat Jones needs to keep it standing and needs to be able to neutralize his ground game while avoiding taking elbows and knees. If it goes to the ground, I fully believe Jones will outclass any other fighter in the division by using his length and wrestling background to his advantage.
TEXAS FIGHT
Sending Randy off into the sunset
after back to back losses doesn’t get you a title shot.
and Koscheck still is no ‘KO artist’
You just posted while I was typing this, use the reply button bottom right.
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 11:52 AM EDT reply actions
maybe i should have been clearer
he may not deserve it yet..but how can u argue machida matches up with jones worse than davis or evans?? and really? still hung up on kos? good man
he may not deserve it yet..but how can u argue machida matches up with jones worse than davis or evans??
Easy…the way to beat Jones is to put him on his back…ground and pound him or make him take a risk like giving up his back and submitting him….otherwise…if you try to strike with him or try to submit him from your back…forgetaboutit…..and Machida isn’t capable of this because he can’t take Jones down….and I don’t think he can stop Jones from taking him down….at least Davis and Evans have the ability to put Jones on his back….
Follow Me On Twitter@KelvinHunt
i think machida could take him down, you're underestimating his takedowns
the guy has some of the best trips and balance of anyone. if jones clinched and tried to throw him, machida could reverse it with a sweep of his own. he’s scored a takedown on everyone he has attempted to takedown and he does have very good bjj
Paranormal Activity is caused by Melvin Manhoef
by theoregonduck on May 3, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
He may be able to take him down
But do you really think Machida wants anything to do with Jon on the ground?
TEXAS FIGHT
why wouldn't he? we've never seen what bones is like off his back
Paranormal Activity is caused by Melvin Manhoef
by theoregonduck on May 4, 2011 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Sending Randy off into the sunset until Uncle Dana throws a boatload of money and a title shot his way, then he comes back talking about intriguing fights and challenges. Oh yeah, he also is in the main event.
Fixed.
Join the Mania Pick'em Pool on MMAPlayground. It's only $20. danago will spot you from the money she earned betting on James Toney and Shogun. oh wait...
Randy/Tito/Chuck triple threat for the title?
Sending Randy off into the sunset until Uncle Dana throws a boatload of money and an on-air commentators position alongside Goldie and Rogan.
Fixed….again.
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
“Randy/Tito/Chuck triple threat for the title? "
Somebody got a time machine?
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
and Rampage, after he sends Hammil to the Prelims?
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Or Davis if he beats Rashad
Funny how those 2 have suddenly been forgotten. I like Lyoto but you need to do more than retire Randy to get a title shot. He’d be an interesting opponent stylistically as would Rashad, Davis and a motivated Rampage but he shouldn’t be fastracked ahead of any of those guys. I’d rather see him take on the Rampage/Hamill winner and have Bones face the Rashad/Davis winner next.
Still undefeated in pic/sig bets in 2011
Still the leader of Mac's Mania Pool
The only interesting matchup for Bones in the UFC
is 1) A Silva and b) Cain Velasquez. Everyone else gets brutally run over. Quite frankly i think he does that to Andy too but he’s definitely gonna respect him standing unlike shogun. Until we get a lay n prayer like Arona – tank wrestler with excellent grappling chops we’ll have to settle for Jone eating up top flight competition and looking other worldly. He’s gonna be the GOAT.
BIG NOG for Life
One Step closer to Gleison Tibau @ 145
If the round is too close, it's 10-10, NOT flip a coin 10-9 or late takedown FTW.
by NNR (formerly NameNotRequired) on May 3, 2011 1:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I see it like this in order of who deserves the shot
1. Rashad Evans- He put in his work and won both of his fights since the ole “stanky leg” incident. Although he hurt himself (literally and figuratively) waiting for Shogun to get better. He is 10-1-1 in the UFC. Hands down… #1 contender. Plus with the familiarity of training with Jon Jones, and his speed capped off with explosive takedowns… He poses a major challenge to the champion. His test with Phil Davis is gonna be tough though since he will be coming off a year and a half layoff and a knee injury.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." – Winston Churchill
2. Rampage Jackson
He has gone 3-1 in his fights since losing to Forrest. Arguably he should be 2-2, but that is neither here nor there. I am fairly certain he will get past Hammil with no problems as long as he hasn’t fucked off in between camps. We all know how he gets. He has proven one punch KO power and Jon likes to get in close for those takedowns which could leave him wonder WTF just happened. However, I believe that Rampage is just too slow to really be effective against “Bones.” I see him chasing him around that 30’ cage and getting picked apart standing until he gets tired and it is takedown to GnP from there.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." – Winston Churchill
3. Lyoto Machida
Why a man that up until the Crane kick had not had a convinsing victory since May 09’? Because he DOES pose the biggest threat to the Champion. They match up in speed. Both are unorthodox strikers. Machida’s elusive style could frustrate the young champion and force a careless mistake. But with the large amounts of kicks that “The Dragon” dishes out that leaves many chances for a limb to be grabbed and him being put on his back. However, Machida could very well keep it standing and take the fight into deep water where the Jon’s questionable gas tank could come into play.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." – Winston Churchill
4. "Shogun"
I know… I know… I have watched the beatdown of Rua probably 15 times already. But we all know that the guy that stepped into the cage was not the same man that Machida fought. His rematch with Forrest will be a crossroad for him. If he convinsingly beats Griffin and takes revenge for that piss poor performance at his UFC debut then he would be back in the picture. He would have to come out victorious in two more fights before I think he should get another shot. If he is able to do that and Bones still has the belt, I think it would be a different fight. Would he win??? Who knows? He made Machida look human in 09’. Maybe he could do the same again to Jones in 2012.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." – Winston Churchill
That's it BTW.
I figure that list is good enough for now.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." – Winston Churchill
Solid posts.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't sleep on Rua
I know he’s inconsistent (based on both physical and mental issues) but on his game he can beat ANYONE.
Jones included.
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
No..just no
Shogun’s takedown defense is his weakness….Jones would take him down every time and work him over…bad matchup stylistically for Shogun.
Follow Me On Twitter@KelvinHunt
No... just no
Don’t drink the kool-aid
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
He absorbed alot of damage in that fight vs. JJ. Lets just say that he would have to put together a wicked winning streak to get DW to justify a rematch (assuming JJ still has the strap).
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Kelvins point was Rua's TDD is what fucked him over
He actually lost that fight standing. His weaknesses are his knees and his motivation.
I think they completely under-estimated Jones, only had a few weeks to prepare and paid the price for it. He took more damage in that fight than he ever did in any other.
I think a Rua in fine fettle with a proper gameplan could beat Jones. No question.
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
i like how....
When its somebody else they are the ones drinking kool-aid. Even if you have the guy’s nickname is in your handle.
by bloody_cage_junkie on May 3, 2011 4:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You like that huh?
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this fanpost
Right now, the only significant threat to Jones is Machida. I’d love to see if Jones can take him down and keep him there. Machida’s wrestling is very under-rated.
Over 5 rounds I’d expect Jones to tire and Machida to become more aggressive as the fight progresses. His footwork is white hot and is essential to keeping out of Jones’ freakish reach.
I know he’s only just got back in the win column (officially) but match him up against the winner of Shad / Davis. When he wipes the floor with them he’ll pose a significant threat to Jones…
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 1:48 PM EDT reply actions
Machida's reach is 74"
Jon Jone’s reach is 84.5"
This is enough to tell you Machida wouldn’t do well not even mentioning the wrestling.
TEXAS FIGHT
rashad deserves it still
And has a better shot at Jones then Machida
www.momdaymorningblackbelt.com
by daniel worby on May 3, 2011 1:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Rashad gonna be like a train wreck in that fight.
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on May 3, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida has only lost 2 shogun.
I wana see jones fight lyoto, page , Rashad. I think can all beat him. If shad gets by Davis he shud be next in line. I wonder how much ring rust Shad will have.
Over thinking, over analyzing,
separates the body from the mind.
Withering my intuition, leaving opportunities behind.
Feed my will to feel this moment, urging me to cross the line.
Reaching out to embrace the random.
Reaching out to embrace whatever may come.
by d*locc on May 3, 2011 1:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
He rightfully earned the L against Rampage.
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope rashad beats the shit outta phil davis and gets his title shot. Phil davis was the biggest dick at the fan expo
The next Stanley cup champs-----> Detroit RED WINGS
Yeah - describe your experience
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry about that guys, Yea it was after waiting in line for a long ass time and he is at a table with carlos condit and carwin and both of those guys couldnt of been nicer and then davis wasnt even having it at all, He answered some of my questions you know but he didnt want to hear shit I had to say and then the next kid goes up to him and this guy finaly looks up from his phone for 2 seconds just to look at this kid and then he just looks down at his phone again starts talking to some girl and he just completely ignored this kid. I was never really the biggest carwin fan but damn that guy is so nice and him and condit made this guy look like a fucking clown in my eyes
The next Stanley cup champs-----> Detroit RED WINGS
Spill it goldy!
Over thinking, over analyzing,
separates the body from the mind.
Withering my intuition, leaving opportunities behind.
Feed my will to feel this moment, urging me to cross the line.
Reaching out to embrace the random.
Reaching out to embrace whatever may come.
by d*locc on May 3, 2011 2:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Seems like a cool cat in all the interviews, and vlogs
Short with you?
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why we need an explanation. I work with people all day and I know that you get fatigued and don't have the energy level anymore so you get short. Its natural.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
I want to hear Gold’s story (btw why didn’t you meet up with Z and scotti), but if it’s Davis being short, after signing autographs and doing press all day……
(I stand at 112 in my lone man wolf pack pool)
'Primitive Magic is replaced by Religion, which in turn is replaced by Science'
-JGF
by *Californication* on May 3, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Family event killed my plans for this weekend. Looking at Van or Vegas in July.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth." - Stephen King
by OJR on May 3, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
You can't just leave us hanging
Tell us the gossip.
Still undefeated in pic/sig bets in 2011
Still the leader of Mac's Mania Pool
not good fight for lyoto. man i want to see him on another win streak
before getting a crack at jones or whoever the LHW champ will be.
No!
Lyoto should fight a strong wrestler first, like Phil Davis or Ryan Bader. The kick was amazing but a win over Couture doesn’t mean much. Two more fights, then the title shot.
Rampage turned down Shogun when he had the chance. Rashad wont be ready for Jones right after he fights Davis. Machida is a fine choice by me.
by axemurderer138 on May 3, 2011 2:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
rampage isnt getting through hamill
so I voted yes since Machida is the only other one who could possibly have a chance
Stylistically, definitely yes
But realistically he needs to get another win or two before he can be thrown into the title shot. I would love to see it happen soon, I think that Machida with his elusive style, footwork, KO power, strong clinch game, takedown defense, ground game. Makes him Jon Jones most dangerous opponent right now in the UFC LHW division. I could be wrong and it could end up being another legend beatdown, but yes I really hope we will be able to see this eventually. But he needs a win or two first. Having two losses in a row and then beat Randy isn’t good enough.
I'll say what everones thinking...
Machida will destroy Jones. I see Jones doing something stupid like running in with a flying side kick than Machida counter kicking Jones teeth down his throat.
Just kidding. Machida doesn’t deserve the shot yet. Although I believe he stands a better chance than some of the other contenders. Only time is holding Machida back. UFC needs to book him a fight ASAP.
No.
Really? He’s still 1-2 in his last three fights, his latest victory being a 47 year old man. He still lost to Rampage and Shogun. I guess we can give him a title shot if we want to look about as legitimate as Strikeforce used to be.
good post!
keep em coming
ANS, OJR, and Deuce- Next time you're on the same side of the fence as the trolls, take that as a sign that you are WRONG, and come hang out with the rest of us.
by LJ. on May 3, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
wait, there are a few grammar and sentence fixes, does someone edit my story before being published?
I like Lyoto but
He fought stupid against Shogun. He could have G&P Shogun to sleep as Shogun has 0 on the Ground. Even Forrest no takedown Griffin G&P his Butt. Now Lyoto has far better wrestling then almost everyone at LHW except may Phil Mr. Wonderful Jackson and Jon Jones of course.
So you have Jon with longer reach & World Class GR & vicious striking like the world has never seen. It would be tough for Lyoto to get inside I believe and Jon would G&P just like he has run through with Darth bader and the Janitor who had world class wrestling. Still might be interesting to watch though.
Like I said over a year ago. Jon Jones is #1 P-4-P in the WORLD and I said that before anyone knew him. He is just too good in all areas for anyone to stand a chance right now.
he's hella good, and I think he's the "future of 205" but lacks experience of failure
and if he starts to get out classed in any particular area, I believe we will see his mental game break. No way he’s tasted real defeat in MMA yet. He will, soon I believe.
People who don't have the patience for the technical aspect of MMA should think about getting into another sport. THIS ONE requires BRAINS.
by i_am_awesome_o on May 3, 2011 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on what Machida shows up
He is as hot and cold as K-Flo is. When he is on, he is on but when he is off, like against Rampage, it is almost as bad as watching GSP jab all night.
Still think Jones is all hype? All aboard the JBJ train - nonbelievers prior to 126 are not welcome.
agreed
very unpredictable how he will show for any fight for that matter, but when he is on, he is brilliant
Machida is way more consistent
Seriously, the guy only has 2 losses people and if you think he lost to Shogun the 1st time then he probably beat Rampage so that’s still 2 losses. Shogun may just have his number but this guy is a beast.
For instance, Machida has VERY good takedown defense for a striker, definitely better takedown defense than Anderson. He fights longer than his range and he could likely make Jones go 5 rounds and who knows how well Bones endurance is in the championship rounds.
Machida doesn't just need very good takedown defense
He needs a nearly perfect takedown defense that won’t let Jon get close to him. A nearly perfect takedown defense will not stop Bones from just picking him up entirely and suplexing him like he’s done to other fighters previously.
As good as Machida’s agility is, I don’t think he quite has the ability to avoid Jon in close quarters for very long.
This all isn’t even mentioning striking where Machida’s reach disadvantage of nearly a foot if not a foot is going to limit him to trying to get that kick because Jon can just stay outside his range for punches. Even for someone who fights “longer than his range,” a foot is a huge amount of space to make up fight wise.
TEXAS FIGHT
Shogun beats Liddell & Coleman to fight for belt
Machida is a top 5 contender and it would do everyone good to not wait 6 months for his next fight. If I’m Rampage or Evans I wouldn’t mind if Machida fights him first. There’s a chance then you don’t even have to fight Jones and if Jones wins then you have more tape to study and maybe, just maybe he’s worn down a little more & older by time you fight him ;-)
a sick ko against randy doesnt warrant a title shot, one more win against a quality opponent at least
Cabsa Here!!!
by mistahsupahyphy on May 4, 2011 12:28 AM EDT reply actions
i will tell everyone here that machida will get his chance but he has my sympathy for what will happen to him.
Jon " Bones " Jones new UFC light heavyweight champion. Even if Jones got struck flush in the face he would recover and defeat whoever is in front of him. I told everyone the fight would be easy. Anderson Silva would never fight "Bones". He is too scared to fight the real P4P champion. Nick Diaz, the man who will prove to the MMA world that he is the best WW in the world.
by wolfmanshowlforever on May 4, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Machida Can Take Him Down..But..
Machida has good judo. He would normally counter with a punch and close the distance and clinch. From that position, he can trip or throw you down. He did that with good wrestlers. Problem is, he should be able to do this against strikers like Bones. He can’t afford to go toe to toe with Bones. I don’t think Bones can take Machida down. He has good take down defense. Reach advantage of Bones would be challenging to Machida. The elusiveness and counter-attack of Machida would be a challenge to Bones. Interesting fight.
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