UFC 140: Lyoto Machida Thinks He Can Crack the Code of Jon Jones
by Brent Brookhouse on Oct 13, 2011 3:34 PM EDT
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Lyoto Machida has been one of the most successful light heavyweights over the past few years in the UFC. An injury to Rashad Evans has opened the door for Machida to get a shot at regaining the UFC light heavyweight championship. At UFC 140 Machida will get the chance to face Jon Jones, a fighter that no one has yet been able to figure out.
Machida thinks that he will be able to find the chink in the armor of the champion on December (via Vancouver Sun):
"I've been studying Jon Jones thoroughly. I've been watching his game. It's not something impossible to do, to come up with a game plan. I think I'll be able to crack that code,"
Machida does present interesting challenges in his timing in the striking game, but he will have to figure out a way to get inside the reach of Jones and will have to be more aggressive than he showed in the first two rounds of his fight with Quinton Jackson at UFC 123. In the Jackson fight Lyoto fought far too measured and gave away the opening two rounds. When he came back to almost knock Rampage out in the final frame it was simply too little, too late.
Aside from the risks presented by Machida, ESPN's Chuck Mindenhall wonders if burnout may present just as much of a danger to Jones:
What Jones is doing is unprecedented. Chuck Liddell defended his strap three times in 2006; two of those defenses -- against Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz -- were against former champions. That comes close.
Georges St. Pierre fought four times in 2005, but none of them had title implications. Jones will have fought three former champions and one previously undefeated prospect. The annals of the UFC's history can't produce his equivalent.
So far he's handled the pressure of these events fine, though he's taking his time more as he goes along. He's finishing everybody, but chronologically speaking it's taking him an extra round to do it: Matyushenko (first round), Bader (second round), Rua (third round), Jackson (fourth). Of all of these, Machida is arguable the hardest to solve, and is possibly the best reactionary fighter in the game. The style match-up will be fun to contemplate.
It is absolutely one of the most intriguing style battles in the sport and we'll get to see it this December.
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My two favorite LHWs of the last few years
Whoever loses, I win. Machida reclaiming the gold or Jones beginning his dominance…it’s pretty much perfect no matter what.
PACIFIC RIM
in theaters
July 12th, 2013
by Chris Groves on Oct 13, 2011 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Yeah I love this fight.
I’ll be cheering for Machida this time, but I’m a fan of Jon’s so whatever. Real curious to see what the Jackson team comes up with to deal with Lyoto. Went pretty badly with Rashad, but this is a whole new beast they’ve got to work with. Can’t forget that Shogun and Rampage aren’t the most mobile fighters at this point, allowing Jon to just steadily chip them with kicks and and punches. Lyoto won’t be so easy to land on, and with Jon’s tendency to over extend himself and lose balance, there may be some good opportunities for Lyoto to exploit. I also think Lyoto will freak some people out by being extremely tough for Jon to manhandle in the clinch. Should be really interesting.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
This guy gets it.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Machida gives Jones a new challenge
Unlike Shogun and Rampage, he’s not going to go forward and look to exchange strikes. Jones’s reaction to fighting against a new style will tell us a lot about how long he’ll remain on top. If he easily beats Machida, I doubt many will challenge him in the next year or so.
by YPG on Oct 13, 2011 3:12 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah,
What I think makes this interesting is that Jones’ footwork still has problems- mainly that he crosses his feets quite often when coming forward, making him succeptible to a counter from a fast opponent who knows how to traverse range. Jon also generally controls distance with push kicks, but since Lyoto is constantly circling, it will be hard for Jon to land on him frequently; he hasn’t shown much of a jab yet, or even a good check hook or counter right straight. To boot- Lyoto is strong as a bull in the clinch, and considering how much trouble Jon had taking Rampage down- I think he will have as much difficulty (probably more) getting Lyoto on his back.
And I don’t think that Jon can employ the same game as Rampage or Shogun did to Lyoto- Page has much better footwork, and heavier hands; Shogun has more power in his punches and kicks, and excels at charging his opponents down.
Should be a good fight.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Shogun's arm looks messed up
does it not?
I Bleed Blue and Green
ME...Tweeting Stuff! About my upcoming game...and other random musings.
That's Rafael Cordeiro's famous corkscrew punch.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, I'm just playing. The picture looks almost anatomically impossible, at least without injury.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just sitting here, trying to put my arm in that position. It hurt:)
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I can actually do that
Quite easily.
Business as Usual has a STACKED team. I mean, we could win with just me, but you know.
Are you double-jointed,
or am I just not seeing it right?
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Can you touch your elbows together, behind your back?
If not, that Shogun punch is well out of reach for you to even think about attempting.
Haha. I cannot.
And here I thought I was in great shape. Plus I do Yoga for fuck’s sake!
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He was just looking at your boobs.
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
by Shotokanman on Oct 13, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ha.
I feel violated, and he must be disappointed.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Used to ask girls that in High School all the time.
Still works….
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
Hey Shoto-
I wonder who you're rooting for in this fight
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Well
His arm has a strange bend to it, which is sorta hard to mimic, but I can turn my hand over that way with no problem whatsoever.
Business as Usual has a STACKED team. I mean, we could win with just me, but you know.
Yeah, I can get there with my forearm,
it’s the bend at the elbow that’s throwing me, plus why would you be in that position?
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I am pretty sure that is just what happened with the force of his punch when it landed. It looks like his punch is glancing off of machida’s body. That and you’d be surprised what your limbs look like when you swing them. You many not be able to pose like that but replicating the whole punching motion may get it there.
i say leg kicks
jones seemed to not enjoy rampage’s leg kicks
and if im right, imagine what machida would do to jones legs
Matt "The Terror" Serra!!!!
I definitely think Lyoto should go for low kicks-
Jon puts alot of weight on his front leg, and Lyoto is fast and sharp enough to tag it consistently with his kicks.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't kick wrestlers
Rampage even said part of the reason he stopped with the leg kicks was because he didn’t want to throw to many and risk getting his leg caught.
This is a misnomer,
you absolutely CAN kick wrestlers, you just can’t telegraph your kicks. Like everything else in fighting- kicks have to be set up. Against a wrestler, what works best is to throw hands at them, get them on their heels, and finish your combo with a kick. Thiago Alves did this BEAUTIFULLY against Koscheck.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
By the way
Last week I got paired up with a guy in class who has been practicing Muay Thai for 6 years and kicks like a mule. Just from holding the leg-kick pad, I have a bruise the size of an iPad on my thigh. I look like Urijah Faber.
Point is – leg kicks are awesome.
BOOSH
A real good Thai boxer
has the ability to just stand in front of you and blast away with kicks. With how hard their shins are, how well conditioned they are, and how good their technique is, that shit can just be incredibly brutal.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 14, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
After a couple of leg kicks, that wrestler is not going to be able to shoot as well as he would have before the leg kicks.
That, and Jon Jones gets most of his takedowns from the clinch using throws and trips, not necessarily doubles and singles.
by discoandherpes on Oct 14, 2011 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
i just watched this like 600 times
it really is a thing of beauty
Fine! I'll go build my own lunar lander, with blackjack and hookers. In fact, forget the lunar lander and the blackjack.
PRIDE fan boy
I LOVE the way a good low kick looks.
Buakaw, Ghita, Saki, Spong, Alves, Aldo, Barboza, etc are all just awesome to watch in that regard.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 14, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
In the words of Rampage Jackson
“This is the Ultimate Fighting Championship, not the…Ultimate Elusive…Guy”
It’s not really relevant, but I digress…
Anyways, I got Squidman by TKO/KO in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Sure, Machida can watch tape and study Jones, and I think he’s a great fighter, but it’s not like Jones is going to be in the dark for this fight.
Also, let’s not discount the fact that Jones has tape of times when Machida has been given trouble. Machida has to actually look for openings that Jones has in his style, and I think that’s just a guessing game, really. The openings might be there, and Machida may see them, but I that doesn’t equate to being automatically able to take advantage of them.
Meanwhile, Jones just has to watch what Shogun (and Rampage) did and learn from it, all while knowing for certain that’s it’s worked before. And honestly, I think that when it comes to that anything Rampage or Shogun did to Machida, Jones can do it better. If anything, I think he can supplement his striking with his reach, and his wrestling with his size to the point that he makes up for any shortcomings he may or may not have skill-wise.
That’s how I see this situation at least. I could certainly be wrong. I also know anything can happen in MMA, especially with two top guys like Machida and Jones.
Whoever wins, however they win, I just want a great fight at the end of it the night.
by Shawn1379 on Oct 13, 2011 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
rampage won by lenard garcia tactics.
Jones does not have shogun power. This is gonna be a great fight.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Oct 13, 2011 4:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That's racist!
but it’s not like Jones is going to be in the dark for this fight.
by HuskerHammer on Oct 13, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
How cute
if Machida beats Jones, will the MACHIDA ERA still be infamous?
by milliondollardreams on Oct 13, 2011 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
People really discount Machida, but I think he provides the best shot at Jones until some of these new prospects in Gustafsson and Davis hit their peaks and become well-rounded. Rashad will not stand a chance against Jones. Machida brings the quickness of someone like Rashad, but with a totally different variety and weird style that is hard to simulate.
Signed, Pick'em Champs 2011-2012: Michael Jordanesque in our picking skills.
by mountaineers101 on Oct 13, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions
I'd give it to Machida IF he wasn't coming off a layoff. He's not really rusty but..
He’s definitely not as fresh as Jones coming into this fight. Dana is riding so hard on Machida right now, Machida needs to fight a can to warm up his dragon kicks before this fight. Because Machida is going to want to “react” to Jones, but the fact still remains that Jones arms have the range of a Samurai Sword. You "mis-react’ one time and you could in serious trouble.
by Tairy Hesticles on Oct 13, 2011 4:06 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, but Jon's power isn't anything special.
You get caught by a knee to the head, you may be done, but his punches and kicks aren’t devastating. It’s the amount and the mix of them he uses to break a guy down. Lyoto’s not going to “just get caught”.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it is possible. He has time to learn some stuff and he rocked Rampage with a left hook. Yeah, I don’t think his punches have deadly snap on them yet. But the power is there once his technique is perfected.
Signed, Pick'em Champs 2011-2012: Michael Jordanesque in our picking skills.
by mountaineers101 on Oct 13, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Watch some of his earlier fights
He KO’d one guy really well. I put it as a fanshot.
Business as Usual has a STACKED team. I mean, we could win with just me, but you know.
Sure it's possible.
Just not a likely assumption until we’ve seen him floor somebody with a punch. Not ripping Jon’s power, it’s just not uniquely dangerous.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Oct 13, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Or you could say that Jones has fought so often this year, that he could be at a disadvantage from overtraining or such.
by Horselover Fat on Oct 13, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
This is gonna be a great fight, no matter who wins.
I think Machida has a great shot to win. I gotta stick with my boy Machida, even though Jones would probably win.
Twitter - @pud333 Follow me and I shall lead you to the promised land!
At least you’re honest and stick to your fighters. I like both. I love Machida’s style just because I love seeing TMAs used successfully. I don’t understand some of the hate this fight is getting.
Signed, Pick'em Champs 2011-2012: Michael Jordanesque in our picking skills.
by mountaineers101 on Oct 13, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I guess I am going off the initial thread where people wanted Rashad to have the fight.
Signed, Pick'em Champs 2011-2012: Michael Jordanesque in our picking skills.
by mountaineers101 on Oct 13, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh ok, yeah well personally I think Rashad had Jones' number.
Machida can beat him definitely, but Rashad I think had a better chance
by Tairy Hesticles on Oct 13, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Rashad had a better chance if he fought Jones earlier. At this point, I think he’s screwed, cause by the time they eventually fight, that will be basically a year since they stopped training together and considering how quickly Jones evolves, it’ll be like fighting a different fighter by then.
Twitter - @pud333 Follow me and I shall lead you to the promised land!
I'm the opposite way
I think Jones would have blown right through Rashad, but this fight is actually interesting.
Yeah, win or lose, I can’t abandon Machida. I love watching him fight. I love watching Jones fight also, despite not being the biggest fan of his personality. This fight is going to be an absolute treat to watch. Like the Machida/Shogun fights, this is going to be MMA at its best.
Twitter - @pud333 Follow me and I shall lead you to the promised land!
The great thing about the LHW division
Is that while Jones looks to be head and shoulders above everyone else, all the potential challengers offer uniquely different challenges.
Shogun with his all-round beastliness, Rampage with his boxing and TDD, Evans with his explosive wrestling and speed, Machida with his karate-based elusiveness and Hendo with his power and experience.
For all we know, one of these styles could be Jones’ undoing. Shogun and Rampage had nothing for him and it may very well be that Machida comes up well short, but I for one am intrigued by the different stylistic matchups.
Spinning with the Fishes for the 2011/2012 BE Civil War. IT'S ON!
by wonderfulspam on Oct 13, 2011 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Lyoto Machida VS ANYONE is a fascinating style matchup. His style is awesome.
"UFC is so gay, pride is awesome!"
by Hendo_One-Shot on Oct 13, 2011 4:16 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Yes, exactly
PACIFIC RIM
in theaters
July 12th, 2013
by Chris Groves on Oct 13, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I love this fight.
But Jones has given me no reason to believe he’ll lose anytime soon.
"Hi. I don't know you." - me
"Cigano punch my face...all the time." - Anderson Silva
if anything id say machida has a better gas tank than jones
but this is gonna be sick
Fine! I'll go build my own lunar lander, with blackjack and hookers. In fact, forget the lunar lander and the blackjack.
PRIDE fan boy
I do think Machida's been undervalued lately.
Catching a Shogun right hand behind the ear and just failing to start fast enough against ‘Page aren’t really bad losses. But Jones has to show me some vulnerability before I pick against him. I’ll be rooting for Machida, of course.
"Hi. I don't know you." - me
"Cigano punch my face...all the time." - Anderson Silva
Machida has shown a good tank before, but
in the second Rua fight he looked extremely tired early on, for whatever reasons…
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Oct 13, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He's human
The impression I got from that fight was that he came in with too much emotion, very different from how he usually fights. He was probably worked up from people calling Shogun the real champ, people criticizing his last performance, etc. He looked overexcited and too antsy to go for a finish.
He leapt in at an inopportune time (very uncharacteristic again) and got caught.
I strongly believe that if he just brushed off the criticism and fought the way he fought against Shogun the 1st time while implementing the small changes that were apparent in the 2nd fight (getting takedowns) he would have taken another decision.
by Darkknight95 on Oct 13, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
As always, I think Jones’ reach will play an integral part in the fight. In a sport of inches and seconds, I think the added space Machida will have to close will play a big part. I look forward to seeing Machida evade the speedy Jones’ takedown and striking attempts.
Personally, I think the fight comes down to whether Jones can land a clean shot on Machida in the first two rounds. If he can hurt Machida, and put him against the cage, I see Jones putting a hurting on Machida in the clinch. If the Dragon gets in a groove, I don’t know if Jones’ footwork will be sttrong enough to close the distance and counter Machida’s movement. I’d also imagine you won’t see Machida throw many kicks, he’s going to have to figure out Jones’ distance and pick his shots; think Edgar in his last two fights vs. Maynard.
Both love to stay on the outside and strike
Jones by using his reach, Machida with his unorthodox style and quickness.
I don’t think Jones will be willing (or should he) to play Machida’s game. I think he’ll come out and quickly look to close distance and make this a wrestling match. I see him getting Machida up against the cage, getting him down, and going to work on him.
Jones by 2nd round TKO
I think Machida will actually test Jones' chin a little
Jones might actually get hurt and have to work through it in this fight.
"If you say Chael Sonnen I will light you on fire." -- Farthammer.
I agree,
I see Lyoto being able to catch Jones coming in with his feet crossed, and hitting him with a good straight left, maybe finishing with a low kick.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
That 11 inch reach disadvantage will probably be a problem
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
.....Lots and lots of Extenze.
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
by SSreporters on Oct 13, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
It would be if Jon ever jabbed,
or had a good check hook/ counter right hand. But the push kick has been his range control workhorse thus far, and Machida is particularly hard to front kick because of how he’s constantly circling.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Machidia is the only guy...
that has a chance to beat Jon Jones. He will figure out the Jones puzzle and win a decision victory over Bones Jones.
The thing with Jones is that he's not really a puzzle
He has a long reach that he uses well and if you get inside then he resorts to his wrestling.
Very accurate post.
Nice to see the graphic artist drew Dhalsim’s legs to Jon Jones scale.
"It's an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco.
It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world" - Oscar Wylde
by SanFranpsycho on Oct 13, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
my pc farted
I meant: Except Jon’s legs are thinner . . . . and he has flat feet
Machida will beat Jones.
*The only man (singular) to beat machida
We all know Rampage didn’t win that fight.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on Oct 13, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Just once in my lifetime I want to see the headline
“(Fighter X) THINKS HE HAS NO CHANCE AGAINST UPCOMING OPPONENT (Fighter Y)”
by Trust Doesn't Rust on Oct 13, 2011 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
The closest one I could think of:
“I don’t think they’re actually going to let him kill me… And if he does kills me, book sales will really go up. Boom…win-win, bitch.”
Forrest Griffin before fighting Anderson Silva.
by M.Sphinx on Oct 13, 2011 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
an X factor to me is Machida's wrestling
machida was able to give Couture trouble. The same guy who outmuscled huge heavyweights and put their backs on the cage. Machida has some serious talents when it comes to wrestling. I don’t think he’ll get dominated by Jones in this category.
Machida throwing lots of leg kicks? Not the best strategy in my opinion. Jones will just take one to give a devastating hook after a few hit and he times it.
For a Jon Jones you want a Randy Couture / Chael Sonnen type fighter who will be constantly applying pressure without allowing the counters, disallowing Jones to use his range, and can push him against the cage and “bully” him. Sure, Jones has good wrestling, but I’m not sure I’d consider it great.
I’ve got Jones winning this one fairly easily by playing it safe. Did we all forget the old Jackson’s MMA ways we whined about 3 years ago about playing it safe? Expect to see that in this fight until Jones has Machida figured out and timed. Then I’d expect a well placed hook or jab that rocks Machida, Jones hits him again, Machida falls, Jones goes to the ground and finishes via TKO or sub immediately.
One thing on my mind the past few times I’ve seen Jones — I want Randy Couture to fight this kid. Sure, there’s a possibility it’d be a slaughter. But styles make fights, and I think Couture’s style will beat Jon Jones. Imagine Captain America coming out of retirement and winning the LHW belt again? That’d be insane.
Jones would toss randy with ease just like he did to Matyushenko. I don’t know where you get the grounds for saying the kid doesn’t have great wrestling. He thrives against wrestling-centric type fighters (see- Vlad maty – Ryan Bader – Matt Hamill, etc.) and dominates them with his wrestling. I see no way he gets clogged up against the fence by anybody, especially because he’s so good at throwing from the clinch.
That being said, I remember Machida’s dad saying his Karate style is primarily made for fighting against taller, rangier opponents because they were so much bigger in brazil than in japan, so I’m sure Machida has some good fundamentals + tricks up his sleeve when it comes to dealing with fighters in that category.
Machida by Stoppage in 3
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