Comments on: Lyoto Machida Says His Best is Still Yet to Come

By: JJ Docker

JJ Docker — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:05:23 +0000

I’m not sure Angry Mike I think Rampage might pose a bigger threat than Evans. On a technical level you could argue his wrestling isn’t as strong but I think he applies it more effectively in fights. He out-wrestled Henderson for the most part of 5 rounds, which says a lot. I think he’s stronger than Evans and I also believe he is more fearless, as in more willing to engage in order to close the distance. This allows him to/could allow him to get in tight and initiate his power wrestling style combined with dirty boxing and Muay Thai. I’m not saying, however, that is what he will do against Machida. But, at the same time, I think from the “wrestlers” Machida has faced, (Ortiz, Evans) Rampage will have the best chance, if any at all, of putting him on his back – which is surely the only way to beat him. No one in the LHW division will outstrike him or sub him for the bottom.
“No wrestling to speak of, and certainly not to the level of Rashad, who Machida defended easily.” – Machida didn’t defend him easily; he had no wrestling to defend, Evans attempted to strike with him the whole fight.
If Rampage is to win this fight he needs to take his time, close off the octagon with footwork and ultimately try to get inside and press Machida against the fence and get him down from there – he will never get him down with outside shots. Unfortunately, for Rampage at least, closing the octagon or even closing the distance has proved impossible for every opponent I’ve seen Machida fight. Machida will be on top for a long time in my opinion, but I do feel that a fit, healthy and strategical Rampage is a bigger threat than Evans, Ortiz, Griffin and anyone else in UFC’s LHW division.

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By: neijia

neijia — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:25:20 +0000

Yeah, unfortunately, no one else at LHW is at Machida’s level. I thought Evans could do a lot better than he did. Now, the criticism about Fedor and Anderson Silva fighting “cans” is about to be leveled at Machida. It’s not really their fault they’re so dominating when they’re on top of their own game like that. Someone new who’s as good as them will have to come along. Perhaps Jon Jones can get that good.

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By: Angry Mike

Angry Mike — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:30:29 +0000

Now that he’s won the belt, Machida will learn that there are increased distractions and pressures–interviews, appearances, publicity, etc.. His first big challenge will be to balance those outside demands with training and fighting. GSP and others have stumbled, so it’s a real challenge.

Assuming Machida can strike that balance, Rampage isn’t as big of challenge as Rashad, and arguably not as big of a challenge as Silva. Rampage has become increasingly one-dimensional, focusing exclusively on strikes with almost no other offense. No wrestling to speak of, and certainly not to the level of Rashad, who Machida defended easily. Machida’s striking is far more advanced than Rampage’s, and Machida has proven he has ko power. And Rampage can be ko’d. He’ll get overly aggressive and catch a “lights out” counter.

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By: Bullylover

Bullylover — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:58:42 +0000

Call me stupid but Machida might be the one to take andersons throne on top of the ufc.

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By: captain.awesome

captain.awesome — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:01:51 +0000

All I have to say is…
Dragon vs Spider

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By: KTru

KTru — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:42:01 +0000

And he will………

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