Enough About Chuck....Let's talk about what matters; Undefeated Competitors Fighting for The Title: Evans VS. Machida
by Warhand on Apr 20, 2009 4:14 PM EDT
37 comments
This fight has the potential of being totally awesome or really boring. I am certain it will be better than the Silva vs. Leites fight. During the Machida vs. Ortiz fight Joe Rogan stated that he thought the type of fighter that would give Machida trouble would be a really good striker. Well, with Rashad we have a great wrestler with very accurate and powerful striking. But is this the the view to take. The betting odds favor Machida, however, Evans is the champ and he would be wise to force the "elusive" Machida to come to him much the way he did with Liddell.
Lyoto on the other hand needs to make Rashad really uncomfortable. He must continue to be his elusive self but also frustrate Rashad in the exchanges in the hope that Evans falls back on his wrestling. If Lyoto can get Rashad to take him down I think he stands a good chance of pulling off a submission. We haven't seen a ton of Lyoto's ground game but I am pretty sure he has some good BJJ.
This is how I feel about this fight at this moment though I am certain my opinion will change. I really just want to get the discussion going surrounding this fight. Please challenge my analysis of this match up because it is the only way I can get an objective view of it. Who do you favor and why? I am salivating over this one already and to quote Willy Wonka, "The suspense is killing me. I hope it lasts."
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I cannot wait for this – I liked Machida’s new-found aggression against Silva, and I think he can wear down Evans with his back of tricks. I don’t see Jackson coming up with a plan to counter everything Machida can bring because no one knows the extent of his abilities yet.
NB: It’s “elusive”. “Illusive” means “does not exist”.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Apr 20, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There is a fair amount of Machida video for Jackson to reference but I agree that we have not seen all he has to offer. It is definitely going to be Evans’ and The Jackson Camp’s biggest challenge yet.
Thanks for the heads up.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 20, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can see more of it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Machida-Do-Karate-Mixed-Martial-4-DVD/dp/B001VED3FI
It was released about two weeks ago and already it’s sold out. You can bet Greggy & Co. are already studying it intensely.
by Flying Gogoplata on Apr 20, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d don’t think he had much new found aggression, just an opponent that loves to come forward.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Apr 20, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Bag of tricks” not “Back of tricks”…..lol
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see how this is more important than Chuck Liddell retiring.
I think Machida is going to walk right through him.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am biased because Machida is my favorite fighter, but I think that he takes this
It will be a matter of how this fight will go though, and I think the talk and speculation leading up to this fight will be directed more to how fans think that this fight will play out (as opposed to discussion of who is going to win). It COULD be a boring chess match (even though I do not personally get bored by Machida fights), or it could be very competitive. Machida’s last fight with Thiago Silva showed a more aggressive Machida, and Evans has used less wrestling and more striking to the point where he is finishing his opponents. I see a lot of feeling out, and I can see Evans trying not to initiate which will allow Machida to bug him with leg kicks. However, the Jackson Camp game plan could very well put the pressure on Machida which would most likely lead to Machida clinching Evans and halting the action.
Game planning will definitely be key here. No game plan has worked on Machida so far. Also Machida has never lost a round in the UFC, whereas Evans has been in some trouble spots during his fights. It will be interesting for sure.
by chrisbboy82 on Apr 20, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
I don’t see how a fighter not fighting anymore is more important than a title fight between two undefeated fighters but whatever. I would love to know how you think Machida is going to walk through Evans. I seem to remember that you thought Liddell was going to walk through Evans as well.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 20, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chuck (possibly) retiring is the “end of a era”, so to speak. He was such a dominant force for so long, the public fighter’s face of the UFC, and therefore MMA, and now he’s lost 4/5 (3 KOs). It’s paying respect to those who came before, pouring one out for your homies. It’s not just “a fighter not fighting anymore”. I don’t even like him, and I’m a bit misty over it.
Liddell made a career of stifling wrestlers, and up to that point, that’s what Rashad was. Who knew Evans could hit that hard?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Apr 20, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes good sense to me. Let’s not forget that the “end of an era” means the beginning of another.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 20, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rashad takes this fight. Not that I’m basing it soley on the Machida/Tito fight but I saw it last night on UFC Unleashed and something tells me Rashad will win. :)
War Rashad!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rashad is the Matt Serra of the 205ers. In 2 years he will be a gatekeeper. Machida, Rampage, and Shogun will kill him.
I just am not sold on Mr Evans, I could be wrong.
by Riney on Apr 20, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You are.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What makes you so sure Rashad is the next Liddell? Can you make a case he can beat Machida or Rampage? You need to look at his career. Not all that impressive.
by Riney on Apr 21, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Riney…I’ll remember that name when Rashad beats Machidas ass!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 21, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, matt serra? do you know who that is? he fights at 170 and is in no way, shape or form of rashad……the black guy.
good luck in life!
by georgehouse on Apr 21, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Matt Serra means he was lucky to win a title and wont hold it. Do you know that Serra won his title with a lucky punch, then lost it and now is a relative nobody? Yeah he is white, but that doesn’t matter to me.
Rashad will lose his title soon.
by Riney on Apr 21, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is "lucky" about K Chuck TFO!!
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was lucky about the way he beat Forrest?
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The guy is undefeated! He must be the luckiest man in the fight game.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He had a draw with Tito and how many splits? I am just not sold. Everyone talks like hes a Fedor or Torres type of champ. He is neither.
by Riney on Apr 21, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are hilarious.
With comments like these you will never be taken seriously.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why Thank You. I seek internet approval!
by Riney on Apr 21, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
worthy of some hype
Obviously these guys are going to need all 5 rounds. They’re so good at defending themselves that we could have a few rounds go by without any damage. Rashad also impresses me with his ability to take a punch without showing much wear. I think Machida certainly has a more varied arsenal and more ways to win. I can’t really see the standup favoring Rashad so I think he’ll be forced to try to take him to the ground to work alil GnP. I know machida must have a sic guard but I think Rashad has to use his explosiveness to get a takedown even if it"s at the end of a round . It’s possible Rashad can use his dance sklils to faint like he’s closing the distance to strike but actually sidestep a Machida “counter” and then deliver his own goods. Machida ,IMO, doesn’t so much counter punch as he does anticipate where his opponent is going and then gets off before they can. I think Rashad will be coached to keep his movement totally unpredicatable and incorparate even more faints. Even so, I think he will eventually fall into the Machida trap and get caught more than he can deliver and consequently lose a UD. Even though Machida looks better each fight there is now way he is going to be throwing Rashad to the mat like he did to TS.
In short, I think the oddsmakers have this one about right. I’ll be using machida in a few small parlays because I think he anticipates, moves, and defends too well to be caught wiht a power right hand from Rashad. If Rashad doesn’t land it then you can put this decision in the books for Machida.
by naturalist on Apr 21, 2009 12:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sweet analysis
“Machida ,IMO, doesn’t so much counter punch as he does anticipate where his opponent is going and then gets off before they can.”
This is exactly what I have observed from Machida. Check out Machida vs. Bonnar in Jungle Fight. Everytime Bonnar was about to throw something Machida picked it off and delivered punishment. Rashad using the faint to get Machida to counter followed by a Rashad side step and strike is an awesome game plan. Though I think Machida will quickly adjust to whatever strategy Evans employs. Evans really needs to mix it up. This will most likely be a 5 round technical battle however, I am interested in what happens in the early part of round 3. This is when I think the fight is going to get really interesting and I also feel if there is going to be a KO it will be in this round. I am intrigued by the idea of Rashad’s wrestling to Machida’s guard. Rahsad’s speed and athleticism is going to be his greatest asset.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rashad can win by KO only
He cannot win by submission, and a decision win for him is highly highly unlikely.
Because of the range that Machida fights at and his insane balance he’ll be difficult to take down and I doubt he’ll end up on his back much.
That’s not to say that Evans only has a punchers chance, this fight is definitely a lot closer than many think.
Machida is my fav fighter as well (alongside Shogun and GSP) particularly because my first ever MA was Shotokan Karate, but I don’t think he ‘walks through Evans’ at all.
by rainmaker6 on Apr 21, 2009 1:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That Rashad Evans's senior picture or something?
by Gunslinger20 on Apr 21, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IDK but I liked it.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 21, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have Rashad in this fight b/c I know the Jackson camp is going to drill into their gameplan not to follow or pursue Machida
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 21, 2009 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see this going one of three ways...
1. Machida grinds out a decisive decision over a frustrated Evans.
2. Evans catches Machida coming in with a devasting overhand right or uppercut.
3. Evans catches a body kick coming in, takes it to the ground and pounds Machida into the ground.
Evans has extremely fast hands and tremendous reflexes, not to mention he is definitely the stronger of the two. Machida’s elusiveness may have found its match. I am however, pulling for the Dragon on this one – even if he does drink his own pee.
by MMArmy on Apr 21, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I just have to say, thinking that Machida’s best gameplan against Rashad would be to give up a takedown, for a sub off of his back, is… retarded.
Machida probably doesn’t have any kind of world class BJJ player’s guard, and Rashad is a machine on top with GnP and positioning. I don’t doubt that if Machida did that, and didn’t scramble back up to his feet, that Evans would pass his guard and pound the shit out of Machida for either a latter round (T)KO or UD.
Machida will do what he always does- use lateral movement, work angles and crisp footwork, and pick Rashad apart with fast leg kicks, and straight punches. I say he probably takes a UD, but a late (T)KO isn’t unheard of.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on Apr 22, 2009 2:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Normally I would agree with that 100%. I think Rashad might be too fast and hit too hard for Machida’s usual game plan. Rashad has excellent head movement against straight punches and he has shown an ability to anticipate and time those fast leg kicks.
P.S. Could you change your avatar please. I don’t like being turned on when I am thinking about MMA…lol
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It all comes down to...
who can ‘impose their will’.
If Machida can frustrate Rashad like he’s been able to do against all his other opponents, then it will be by employing his usual hit and run tactics. He’ll need to find a way to get in and get out of the pocket, while throwing a variety of fast shots (leg kicks, straight punches, straight kicks to the body, etc.), and force Evans to try and wrestle him. From there, he can use his great takedown defense, and knees to the body from the clinch to punish Rashad every time he shoots. Keep mixing it up on the feet, and staying off his back will all but ensure a late (T)KO/ Sub/ UD.
For Rashad, I think the best gameplan would be to employ a BJ Penn- like strategy, and sort of force Machida to go toe- to- toe with him. Intelligent agression, as well as crisp footwork, head movement, and fast hands will be key in order to do this. Also, as you said, once Lyoto starts throwing the kicks, it would be wise to try and time one of them, and employ a steady stream of GnP from the top, while always looking to pass the guard/ improve position. Lather/ Rinse/ Repeat until a late (T)KO or UD is achieved.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on Apr 22, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK you got me....
I agree with this. I am converted. You are totally right that it would be retarded for Machida to try to get Evans to take him down in order to pull a sub from his back. So retarded in fact that, as you have stated, this is the only thing Machida needs to avoid. Furthermore, evrything Evans does should be a gateway to getting into top side control where he can use his base to keep Machida down and deliver some brutal GnP. Thanks for your insight.
P.S. I am not kidding. Please change your avatar.
"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"
by Warhand on Apr 23, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing that really interest me about this matchup is
how will Evans defend Lyoto’s kicks? Rashad did not seem to care for Forrest’s kicks & I would think that Machida has better kicks. That could be a big turning point in this fight if Machida continuously drills Rashad. I am excited at the prospect of this fight though.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Apr 22, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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