Lyoto Machida cleared the final hurdle in guaranteeing himself a second meeting with UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones later this year.
At UFC 157, “The Dragon” defeated Dan Henderson by split decision to earn the No. 1 contender’s spot for the next shot at either Jones or Chael Sonnen for the UFC title.
Unless Sonnen pulls off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, it’s likely Machida will be squaring off with Jones for a second time before the year is out. The first bout was over a year ago at UFC 140, where Jones choked Machida unconscious in the second round with a standing guillotine.
Despite Jones’ highlight-reel win, the rematch should still draw some interest. Machida proved to be Jones’ toughest test to date. Some even scored the first round in favor of the Shotokan Karate master.
Can Machida right his wrongs and solve the greatest puzzle in the light heavyweight division, or will Jones continue to casually stroll toward all-time greatness?
Here is the head-to-toe breakdown of the potential rematch between Lyoto Machida and Jon Jones.