"I’m going to root for Lyoto [Machida]. I’m not saying Shogun is not prepared but how long did Lyoto have to wait to get a title shot? The truth is Shogun fought twice and how many fights Machida had to do? Its obvious something is up. I’m not here to talk bad words on nobody but life is made of chances and I said to our managers this fight shouldn’t happen. Shogun didn’t fight enough to deserve the belt. The thing is precious and if I was Lyoto I wouldn’t accept. He is a great champion and must be respected but this is my opinion. [That said], I’ve much respect for Shogun, who is a great athlete that has showed good performances lately and recovered from injuries."
-- UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva shares his thoughts with BrasilCombate.com.br (via Fighters Only) on the first title defense of his good friend and training partner, Lyoto Machida, against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 104 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24. Rua -- widely regarded as the top 205-pound fighter in the world before a submission loss to Forrest Griffin in his Octagon debut in 2007 -- is coming off a first round technical knockout of former 205-pound champion, Chuck Liddell, at UFC 97: "Redemption." He also defeated Mark Coleman via third round technical knockout in a lackluster performance earlier this year at UFC 93: "Franklin vs. Henderson." So is "Shogun" really ready to slay the "Dragon" or is he merely the only man left standing after Quinton "Rampage" Jackson turned down the opportunity to battle Rashad Evans instead? Or both? And just for the record, Machida had to win six fights, not two, to earn a crack at championship glory.
Get the latest gear
