Machida's Biggest Night

by Michael Rome on May 21, 2008 6:32 PM EDT in MMA News

Judging by the statements over the last few weeks, you'd think Tito Ortiz was fighting Dana White this saturday. He's not:

Machida, who years ago was groomed for superstar status in Japan but never quite achieved it, may have his career in the U.S. determined largely based on Saturday’s fight.

He’ll either be remembered as the guy who sent Ortiz out of the UFC with his tail between his legs, and in the process put himself in line for a light heavyweight title shot, or he’ll be the guy whose loss led to one of the company’s most embarrassing moments, allowing former light heavyweight champion Ortiz to upstage White, UFC’s president.

It's interesting to me that Dana chose Machida for this. The first guy you'd naturally think of to put Tito in his place is a third Liddell match, because it's a sure thing outcome and a big draw, but instead he is rolling the dice with Machida.

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Comments

I agree with your assessment. Most people seem to be writing off Tito, here. But I think he stands a legitimate chance of beating Machida—maybe even stopping him in the first or second round. Lyoto has tons of skills, and he’s obviously the favorite. But I’ll be rooting for Tito to throw a wrench in the spokes here.

by Popetastic on May 21, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

They picked Machida because he has the greatest potential to make Tito look washed up and useless. Up until now they’ve pretty much put Lyoto on the backroads in terms of the LHW title picture because they had no idea what to do with him… hopefully the countdown show is an indication that they’re finally coming around

by smoogy on May 21, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

Instead of machida’s photo they should have used this icon in all their press materials….

by robnashville on May 21, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply actions

How ironic. Based on the comments here you certainly would “think Tito Ortiz was fighting Dana White this saturday.” It’s interesting how much hate Machida might get just to spite Dana White.

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by kamander on May 22, 2008 4:13 PM EDT reply actions