[Boddhissatva]

I think everyone....and I mean everyone can safely conclude that "Shogun" is back...


and not just back to his previous pride, physique and talent...but now he seems to be all the more cerebral fighter.


The fight was close...I gave the edge to Machida (bias because I bet on him)....but Shogun had one of the best performances of the night...

Second only to Cain.

[RobbReport]

so focused and sharp. Machida could not figure him out. The smartest fight against Lyoto ever, neutralized his speed with killer leg kicks and clinching.

[RobbReport]

these 2 will get way better now watch.

[The HOFF]

Agreed. Best fight anyone has ever given to Machida. I still think the 48-47 was correct. You have to BEAT the champ, not edge him in a decision. Shogun is back for sure though.

[PinTheDonkey]

If it was a normal fight not a title fight I would have gave it to Shogun but since Machida is the champion I believe that you have to BEAT the champion(like The Hoff said). Close fight but you are right he is back. After that fight with Forrest a few years back I was this guy is off his game but for sure he is back.

[Eccocide]

No offense, but this "beat the champ" stuff doesn't apply. He did beat the champ. He did more damage, he landed double the shots according to the figures and he won the rounds. Just because he didn't finish the guy doesnt mean he didn't beat him soundly. Lyoto landed nothing substantial and was hobbling all over. The more of this beat the champ stuff that enters MMA turns it more into boxing and I think thats the last thing that is needed.

Anyway, Dana posted on his Twitter that they have both already agreed to a rematch. Guess it depends how long it will take Machida's legs and ribs to heal

[Eccocide]

http://fightmetric.com/fights/Machida-Shogun.html

82 shots to 42 shots.

[The HOFF]

Where are they getting those stats? I think Lyoto landed twice as many shots in the first 3 rounds. Shogun had the same red welt on his mid-section from the 15 knees he got hit with.

[Eccocide]

Its MMA's version of Compubox pretty much.

If you click on the different tabs it breaks down the rounds, where the shots landed, etc.

Machida did land 18 of 24 body shots (knees your speaking of) in the first 3 rounds. Only problem is Rua landed 38 leg kicks in those same rounds.

If you click on the decision tab, they had it 49-47 Rua, with round 3 a draw. They are usually right on, if you take a look at past "close" decisions. They have all of their historical fights on the site too.

[keyboarding]

The "beat the champ" thing makes sense, but it's also kind of insane. He did soundly beat Machida over the course of the match. If he tried any harder (going after him more aggressively) he would just have put himself in a position to get beaten. So the only way to beat a champion is to risk being knocked out or beaten? Doesn't make sense to me. He did what any intelligent fighter would do against a strong opponent, beat him consistently in nearly every exchange.

[Pabinator]

That beat the champ stuff is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard. Now you have to fight a guy and because he is champ you not only have to beat him but do it by a land slide? Look I am a huge Machida fan, I think both fighters did great. I gave the fight to Rua by 1. I had Round 1 & 3 for Machida. But Yes, Rua showed he is a damn good fighter and gave a blue print on how to cause some damage to the champ.

But Still I cant wait to see the rematch to see what Machida does different (more offensive early so his legs & ribs arent worn is my guess)

We learned Machida can also take a licking and keep on ticking. Great fight, but wrong decision, but not that bad of a decision

[Boddhissatva]

Same here...I thought the fight was a lot closer than others are making it out to be.

Both Fighters did a hell of a job....

And Shogun looked fantastic...

and Machida looked very impressive as well...

I don't know of any fighter who can take that many leg and body kicks from a Muay Thai expert like Shogun.

[Pabinator]

Machida did show amazing punishment taking ability, also his defense against the takedown was impressive