Shogun vs Machida 2

Finally, the event the fueled everything up is happening on May 8, 2010. A battle which continue a previous 5 round match between the 2 best light heavyweights on the planet.

Karate vs Muay Thai

A classic match up between between 2 classic arts one origins from Japan, and the other Thailand. Both fighters are Brazilians and both have black belts in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

Shogun against Machida opened up a lot of controversy which started a series of mis-judging from the UFC brass. Something in my opinion which is the current loop hole of the whole UFC franchise. But every promotion does have judges, and its simply a matter of how big you are will the judging be a factor. In this matter, UFC is so perfect that it leaves this loophole in its game where it depends on how these people see and think.

Shogun is a top fighter and in my 200% opinion and effort, Shogun won the first match. But Dana was right saying that you fight to shock the world, you fight to finish your opponents, its not enough to become a good fighter, all fighters must be great. Quoting BJ that

Good fighters can win 5 rounds, great fighters will finish the fight

It is apparent that in the evolution of the fight game today, a fighter must now win a convincing fight and not simply try not to lose. This was Shogun’s only flaw, but it was something any smart fighter would do against someone as strong and great as Machida.

Machida is a great evader and counter puncher, has good ground defense and offense, and is somewhat strong also. No one in their right mind would simply come after a fighter such as Machida. Even as elusive as Rashad Evans, Machida happened to frustrate Evans into playing his game and attacking when he saw the opening ending in a highlight reel KO.

What Shogun should do

I think Shogun’s game plan is still perfect for the match-up, I think that he should punish the legs and the body of Lyoto in order to get to him faster without him reacting. But the key this time is more speed, he should work faster and implement his strategy from the beginning. If he can get Lyoto beat up by round 3, he can surely finish him off on rounds 4 or 5 with that saying that his cardio is 200% from the last fight because it will definitely take more out of him this time.

What should Machida do

If Machida can learn to adapt and defend against those viscious kicks, and have some punches coming over Shogun’s face every  time he tries to do a kick, then there is a possibility that Lyoto can catch Shogun with some nice shots and it will now be a question of Chin for both.

I do hope someone gets KTFO on this rematch, it is something required for both fighters since they should win decisively from this point forward. And I think if Machida wins, it should be a convincing win that will match his big mouth and not something that he knew he lost but kept lying to himself telling people he won.

I see this going Shogun’s way, still the underdog in the matter but I believe this will be his time to shine.

Shogun by round 4 referree stoppage – TKO.