Tag: Lyoto Machida

UFC 140: Jon Jones Will Crush Lyoto Machida to Defend Light Heavyweight Title

Tonight’s showdown in the main event of UFC 140 will feature one of the youngest and most talented stars in mixed martial arts today.Jon Jones (14-1) will take on Lyoto Machida (17-2) in a five-round fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Th…

Tonight’s showdown in the main event of UFC 140 will feature one of the youngest and most talented stars in mixed martial arts today.

Jon Jones (14-1) will take on Lyoto Machida (17-2) in a five-round fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The fight should be one of the most exciting that we have seen in the octagon in recent months.

Jones has crushed every opponent that he has ever stepped into the ring with. His only loss came by disqualification against Matt Hamill when he landed multiple illegal downward elbows.

It was a clear mistake by Jones, who was new to the UFC at the time. The disqualification came in the first round. Had he not been disqualified, the fight likely would have ended early in the second round in favor of Jones.

Machida, on the other hand, has really fallen off the map in recent years. He has taken part in just three fights since the start of 2010.

Machida lost back-to-back against Shogun Rua and Rampage Jackson before rebounding with a win over Randy Couture in April.

The win over Couture really doesn’t say much, as the aging veteran was on his way out of mixed martial arts.

Jones is just on another level. His first two fights in the UFC went to him in unanimous decision. Other than that, no fight has ever gone the distance.

That will be the case again tonight. Jones will win this fight before the final bell sounds.

ESPN has Jones ranked as the fourth-best pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts. The only remaining light heavyweight standing in his way is Rashad Evans. It appears that will be the next fight we see, assuming Jones takes care of Machida.

If Jones wins at UFC 140 in similar fashion to his previous fights, we can start talking about a move in weight classes. It would be the most electrifying match in UFC history if Jones stepped into the octagon with Anderson Silva.

Could that be in the future? We can only hope.

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UFC 140 Predictions: What Must Go Right for a Lyoto Machida Win?

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones is a riddle that no one in the UFC has been able to figure out.At UFC 140, another man will go to task trying to find a whole in Jones’ armor—a man who at one point also seemed like an unsolvable r…

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones is a riddle that no one in the UFC has been able to figure out.

At UFC 140, another man will go to task trying to find a whole in Jones’ armor—a man who at one point also seemed like an unsolvable riddle, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.

Just two years ago, Machida was in a similar position to Jones.

He was undefeated—which Jones would be if not for a controversial DQ loss to Matt Hamill—the new light heavyweight champion and seemed unbeatable.

Machida has lost twice since then but tonight looks to regain his belt and prove that, just as he was exposed, Jones can be exposed as well. However, Jones is an unusual opponent, even more so than Machida was, so he will not be easy to beat.

A lot of things are going to need to go right for Machida if he’s going to win this fight.

First off, he needs to get Jones’ respect early in the fight by landing some solid punches.

In Jones’ past few fights, he has seemed comfortable on his feet and unconcerned with his opponent’s power.

Machida needs to make him uncomfortable and tentative to engage.

Jones’ massive reach is for sure going to be a problem, so Machida needs to get Jones chasing after him.

If Jones is the one countering and moving back, it will be nearly impossible for Machida to reach him. However, if Jones is the one being aggressive and Machida is moving back, Machida can try to surprise Jones with quick bursts forwards, while Jones is also moving forwards.

Perhaps most importantly, Machida needs to land a clean shot and knock Jones out.

If this fight goes to a decision, that favors Jones—who has the longer reach and the better grappling. Machida doesn’t stand much chance of winning this one based on points.

Lastly, Machida must use his quick footwork to avoid Jones takedowns. Jones is an animal from the top position and Machida is not known to fight well off his back.

If Machida can put all these strategies into play, there is a reasonable chance we could have a new UFC light heavyweight champion by this time tomorrow.

 

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis

Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. For updates on what’s happening in the world of MMA, follow him on Twitter @AndrewBarr8.

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The Digital Sensei: Steven Seagal Will Disclose Secrets to Victory to Lyoto Machida Via Skype

“I got three of Richie’s guys breathing through their foreheads ova he-ya, so allow me be brief…”

Behind the scenes information and rampant speculation in the lead-up to a fight is the MMA equivalent of chicks gossiping in a powder room. It’s, like, totally fun, but when you start to base your investment portfolio around it or develop an eating disorder you know you’ve crossed the line. At least, that’s usually the case. The scoop we’re about to share with you is as solid as they come, so take advantage of this opportunity to change your fight picks and spray a bottle of Cool Whip directly into your throat.

Earlier this week, Light-Heavyweight challenger Lyoto Machida revealed that he had not been in communication with Black House’s not-so-secret weapon, Steven Seagal, during his training camp. Considering that his devastating knock out victory over Randy Couture was directly attributable (cough) to the action film star, it seemed odd that he wouldn’t turn to him for guidance while training for the fight of his life.

Have no fear, Dragon fans. As it turns out, Jon Jones‘ weaknesses are so glaring that they can be pointed out and easily exploited after a brief, last-minute teleconference. Who knew? Oh yeah, Seagal did.

“I got three of Richie’s guys breathing through their foreheads ova he-ya, so allow me be brief…”

Behind the scenes information and rampant speculation in the lead-up to a fight is the MMA equivalent of chicks gossiping in a powder room. It’s, like, totally fun, but when you start to base your investment portfolio around it or develop an eating disorder you know you’ve crossed the line. At least, that’s usually the case. The scoop we’re about to share with you is as solid as they come, so take advantage of this opportunity to change your fight picks and spray a bottle of Cool Whip directly into your throat.

Earlier this week, Light-Heavyweight challenger Lyoto Machida revealed that he had not been in communication with Black House’s not-so-secret weapon, Steven Seagal, during his training camp. Considering that his devastating knock out victory over Randy Couture was directly attributable (cough) to the action film star, it seemed odd that he wouldn’t turn to him for guidance while training for the fight of his life.

Have no fear, Dragon fans. As it turns out, Jon Jones‘ weaknesses are so glaring that they can be pointed out and easily exploited after a brief, last-minute teleconference. Who knew? Oh yeah, Seagal did.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, the Akido black belt said that while he may not make it out to the Air Canada Centre, he’ll be in touch with Machida via Skype. Quoth the “Lawman”:

“I think Lyoto is a better puncher, a better kicker and he really moves better than Jon. I see some things Jon does that I think can be exploited, and I’m going to go over those things with Lyoto. In my opinion Lyoto is probably the best striker in the business. I’m not saying he hits harder than Junior Dos Santos or someone like that, but his speed, his timing and his accuracy are very good.”

Of course Machida is only one half of the equation this evening. What does Seagal think of the young champ?

“He’s a great fighter, but do I think he’s a great puncher and kicker? Absolutely not. He’s just very big and very strong and he’s a very good wrestler.”

Wrestling: it really fucks your face up.

So there you have it. Run with that information, make your predictions below, complain that we’re talking about Seagal again…basically, just do what you do, people.

UFC 140 Fight Card: What a Win Would Mean for Lyoto Machida

Tonight, Lyoto Machida takes on UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, in a bout scheduled to be the main event of the evening.Machida found himself in the same position two years ago, ready to challenge Rashad Evans for the UFC light heavyweight cr…

Tonight, Lyoto Machida takes on UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, in a bout scheduled to be the main event of the evening.

Machida found himself in the same position two years ago, ready to challenge Rashad Evans for the UFC light heavyweight crown.

At the time, Machida was 14-0 and considered to be one of the sport’s greatest prospects.

Machida would take the belt from Evans, knocking out the former champion in the second round, and ushering in what Joe Rogan referred to as the “Machida Era.”

However, this era was short lived as Machida defended his title against Mauricio Rua in highly controversial fight and then lost to Rua in the resulting rematch.

Since losing the belt, Machida has gone through a rough patch, losing to Quinton Jackson and following that up witha win over Randy Couture, but things started going his way when an injury to Evans allowed Machida to step to the front of the line for a title shot.

What would a win tonight mean for Machida?

Everything.

It would prove to the world that he is—pardon the cliche—back and better than ever.

Machida has been criticized a lot since losing the title and tonight is his big chance to prove to everyone that he really is the man in the 205 lbs. weight class.

Two years ago, Machida was supposed to be the next huge star in MMA, and now people are saying that star is Jones.

A victory tonight would give Machida the opportunity to achieve true greatness in this sport and the chance to usher in a second, hopefully longer, Machida era.

Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. For updates on what’s happening in the world of MMA, follow him on Twitter @AndrewBarr8.

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UFC 140: Is Lyoto Machida Sick Heading into Title Clash with Jon Jones?

Lyoto Machida just stepped off the scales a few minutes ago, and nothing looked abnormal. Jon Jones looked his usual fit self and there seemed to be no issues. There’s a rumor going around from Sherdog’s Jordan Breen that Machida is battling a cold, fl…

Lyoto Machida just stepped off the scales a few minutes ago, and nothing looked abnormal. Jon Jones looked his usual fit self and there seemed to be no issues.

There’s a rumor going around from Sherdog’s Jordan Breen that Machida is battling a cold, flu, pneumonia or some other condition of that nature. Breen mentioned it in his pre-event chatroom and it was picked up by BloodyElbow. Here’s Breen’s quote from his chat.

Machida_sick_medium

At this point it’s nothing more than speculation, and Machida is normally a reserved individual, so fans shouldn’t read anything into him straying away from the media.

Machida doesn’t use an overly aggressive style so if he is in fact battling a sickness, it may not impact his fight tomorrow as much as it would someone else.

With that being said, we’ve seen how being sick can drastically alter a fighter’s ability inside the Octagon, with a recent example of Roy Nelson battling his condition in his bout with Frank Mir at UFC 130.

If Machida loses, I don’t believe we will hear anything about being sick, as Machida is never one to make any excuses for a loss. And it will likely be used as anti-Jones material should the Brazilian win.

As always, be sure to stay with Bleacher Report all weekend for your full UFC 140 coverage.

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Watch Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida Face off at UFC 140 Weigh-Ins

The UFC will return to Toronto, Canada for their upcoming UFC 140 show, which will be headlined by UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones taking on former champion Lyoto Machida.Saturday’s event will also host the rematch between Antonio Rodrigo Nogu…

The UFC will return to Toronto, Canada for their upcoming UFC 140 show, which will be headlined by UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones taking on former champion Lyoto Machida.

Saturday’s event will also host the rematch between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Frank Mir. They first met after coaching on the Ultimate Fighter to fight at UFC 92. Mir shocked the world when he became the first man to stop Nogueira at the 2008 year-end show.

Main Card

Jon Jones (205) vs. Lyoto Machida (204)

Frank Mir (260) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (239)

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (204.5) vs. Tito Ortiz  (206)

Brian Ebersole (170.5) vs. Claude Patrick (171)

Mark Hominick (145) vs. Chan Sung Jung (145.5)

 

Preliminary Card

Igor Pokrajac (205) vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (206)

Jared Hamman (185) vs. Constantinos Philippou  (185)

Dennis Hallman (158.5)* vs. John Makdessi (155.5)

Yves Jabouin (136) vs. Walel Watson  (135.5)

Mark Bocek (156) vs. Nik Lentz (156)

Rich Attonito (170.5) vs. Jake Hecht (170.5)

John Cholish (156) vs. Mitch Clarke (154.5)

*Hallman given an hour to make weight

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