Lyoto Machida vs. Shogun Rua I'm a longtime Shogun fan, and I've been a little annoyed at the way so many UFC fans I hear from are dismissing him as not even a serious challenge to Machida, as if Shogun is just some bum who has no business in the Octagon with a world champion. I don't buy that at all. I think Shogun is a legitimate No. 1 contender and a legitimate threat, and I'm looking forward to this fight. Having said that, I've long believed Machida was the best light heavyweight in the world -- I had him No. 1 in my light heavyweight rankings even before he was the champion -- and I don't see him losing to anyone at 205 pounds. Pick: Machida.
Can't wait for this watching it here with some friends! I like both Machida and Rua so its tough I hope its a great fight. My brother and I know Ryan Bader so we have to go with him, hope he wins!
If Rua wins my friend's going to be pretty upset lol
Well, I didn't think there was much of a question. From the way I see it this fight is pretty one sided...I can't see how Rua is going to stand against Machida.
At least not the Rua we've seen lately. On one hand you've clearly got a rising star in Machida...he has become more powerful and impressive, and he is approaching his prime. He is quick and deadly and with his karate based background, he seems ot be an enigma to most fighters who center on boxing and muay thai...and his speed is undeniable (just ask Rashad Evans).
Then you have Rua who frankly, hasnt been very impressive in any of his fights since the end of PRIDE. Even the knockout of the iceman was one of those 'been there done that' moments...I mean c'mon, who hasn't kicked liddell's ass at this point? there's a reason he's taken up ballroom dancing folks.
Machida is young and not so experienced, but he is subtle and comes out of nowhere with such great tenacity and really good form. Oh man it's gonna be crazy, Rua is bad ass too. I gotta go with Machida fuuurrr suure
