Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Shogun Rua 2 UFC 113 Prediction
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Shogun Rua 2 Prediction Introduction: The results of their first fight literally shocked the world, as many believed Machida would simply run through the former PRIDE great. Instead, he left the Octagon with a controversial decision victory. Will their second battle at UFC 113 finally settle the score on this budding rivalry?
Let's find out
What Lyoto Machida brings to the table: If you're wondering what karate done right looks like in a fight, look no further than Machida.
Simply put, there is no one more technically sound in the 205 pound division on his feet, which goes a long way toward explaining why the man they call The Dragon is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Along with this, Machida rarely gets hit and strikes with a suddenness, no matter what the technique- punch, kick, knee, etc.- that's both scary and powerful. What's more, Machida demonstrates outstanding takedown defense, better than average takedowns, and has a more adept submission than game than he's given credit for.
All of that said, in his last fight against Rua at UFC 104, people came to realize that he is hardly unbeatable.
What Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (18-3) brings to the table: The old Machida was a whirlwind of aggression and activity on his feet. We're talking about a guy with very solid technical skills that throws kicks, punches, knees, and more with furious intent. Chute Boxe style, folks. But against Machida at UFC 104, he demonstrated a much more patient style. Still powerful, but not as open to attack.
In terms of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and ground skills, Rua is more than adequate. He demonstrates strong takedown defense, good takedowns, and better than average submissions and submission defense.
He's just one heckuva fighter.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Prediction: Rua surprised a lot of people last time, Machida included. He's more athletic than his adversary here and definitely has the ability to hurt anyone he connects with. That said, guess is that this time Machida will be more ready for what Rua will come to the party with. And that plus his technical superiority may give him the edge.
Hard one to call. But I think that Machida will squeak one out again, but this time with less controversy.
Lyoto Machida defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by unanimous decision.
Let's find out
What Lyoto Machida brings to the table: If you're wondering what karate done right looks like in a fight, look no further than Machida.
Simply put, there is no one more technically sound in the 205 pound division on his feet, which goes a long way toward explaining why the man they call The Dragon is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Along with this, Machida rarely gets hit and strikes with a suddenness, no matter what the technique- punch, kick, knee, etc.- that's both scary and powerful. What's more, Machida demonstrates outstanding takedown defense, better than average takedowns, and has a more adept submission than game than he's given credit for.
All of that said, in his last fight against Rua at UFC 104, people came to realize that he is hardly unbeatable.
What Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (18-3) brings to the table: The old Machida was a whirlwind of aggression and activity on his feet. We're talking about a guy with very solid technical skills that throws kicks, punches, knees, and more with furious intent. Chute Boxe style, folks. But against Machida at UFC 104, he demonstrated a much more patient style. Still powerful, but not as open to attack.
In terms of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and ground skills, Rua is more than adequate. He demonstrates strong takedown defense, good takedowns, and better than average submissions and submission defense.
He's just one heckuva fighter.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Prediction: Rua surprised a lot of people last time, Machida included. He's more athletic than his adversary here and definitely has the ability to hurt anyone he connects with. That said, guess is that this time Machida will be more ready for what Rua will come to the party with. And that plus his technical superiority may give him the edge.
Hard one to call. But I think that Machida will squeak one out again, but this time with less controversy.
Lyoto Machida defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by unanimous decision.