Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida’s counter-striking acumen will be tested against the nonpareil talent of light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones this coming Saturday night in UFC 140. (Comparing our top combatants with those of boxing is a sacrilege to some MMA hardcore fans and purists, so I offer my insincere apologies.)
Machida the challenger is considered as one of the best—if not the best—counter-strikers in MMA today, just like, well, boxing’s current world lightweight king Juan Manuel Marquez. Also going in his favor is his much-publicised training camp under the Freddie Roach of MMA: Crane-Kick Aikido (patent pending) Master Steven Seagal.
Marquez is most famous for his effective counter-punching through Manny Pacquiao’s fistic whirlwinds in their historic boxing trilogy. The first resulted in a draw, the second and third engagements both decision losses to Pacquiao (regardless of what Marquez and a number of boxing aficionados consistently felt and still feel to the contrary).
The champion Jones, on the other hand, exudes the indomitability of arguably boxing’s No.1 pound-for-pound (again) Floyd Mayweather, Jr. And like Floyd’s versus Marquez, Jones enjoys the advantage in height and reach.
The only major difference—aside from these athletes’ respective combative sports and skill sets—is that Jones lets his fighting do most of the talking. It’s also a no-brainer on who’s class and who’s crass.
In comparing Machida and Jones, both fighters have extraordinary fighter’s instinct and timing. Both are consummately methodical in mincing their opponents.
They also share an eerie similarity in “fight face.” Sporting a countenance defined by a cold, unblinking stare that forebodes inevitable destruction of their unlucky prey.
Well, if looks alone could win fights, then expect a draw on this Saturday’s main event.
The questions lingering heavily in the minds of UFC fans.
Can Machida counter Jones’s unpredictable striking offense and efficiently land his own bombs?
Will The Dragon’s respectable takedown defense suffice to intercept Bones’s wrestling projectiles?
Does Machida have another surprise attack up his sleeve? Courtesy of Señor Risen-from-Half-Past-Dead?
And the winner is…
Unfortunately for Machida, Jones will see and thwart what Rashad Evans and Randy Couture didn’t see coming.
Catching up with the Jones is an exercise in futility. He’ll be the one to catch Machida again and again till the stoppage.
Worst for Machida is that the youthful champion not only posseses the skill akin to Mayweather—he’s also shown the KO power of a Pacquiao.
And for the unbigoted amongst us who cared to watch and see who prevailed on 09-19-09, we know who between Marquez and Mayweather had more reason to party till the wee hours of the 10th.
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