Lyoto Machida can’t seem to get enough attention these days following his UFC 129 win over Randy Couture.
The Brazilian’s highlight reel knockout has not only been considered a Knockout of the Year candidate, but the spectacular finish also caught the eye of a familiar foe: Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Rua praised the former UFC light heavyweight champion for his win over Couture, commenting on his finishing ability.
“It really was a beautiful kick, but I knew he’d win”, Rua said to TATAME.com
Rua also acknowledged the fact that he will meet Machida again at some point in his career. The two Brazilians have met on two previous occasions that saw each of them walk away with a win, ultimately setting up a third bout, which according to Rua seems inevitable.
“Lyoto absolutely is a guy I might have to fight again someday, and I believe I will. I don’t know when, but it’ll happen.”
After relinquishing his light heavyweight title to Jon Jones at UFC 128, Rua will return to the Octagon at UFC Rio where he will square off against Forrest Griffin, who also holds a victory over Rua from their first encounter at UFC 76.
Should Rua get past Griffin at UFC Rio, it is possible that a trilogy would likely occur between the two light heavyweights in the near future.
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