The answer to Machida?

[Beebs]

Ricardo Arona, here is my case, and it's a strong one.

Now that, i think and hope, he is done with his surfing/traveling hiatus, I suspect he would provide a huge problem for Machida.

First is his temperment, he doesn't care if people don't think he is exciting, so he won't be goaded into rushin in.

Next, his leg kicks, he has no other stand up, but he has some of the most powerful leg kicks in the division, he dropped Silva and destroyed Overeem's knee with one. Machida puts a lot of weight on his front leg, if Ricardo can land a kick there, it could score heavily, maybe even blow out the knee and end the fight or significantly change it like Overeem.

Also while his standup has always looked bad, he has fought dangerous striker after dangerous striker and Sokodouju is the only one to make him really pay for it; I think it's more just the classic grappling stance to judge distance; all he cares about striking wise is those leg kicks that seem like they are thrown by some sort of mule/elephant hybrid.

Most obviously, his grappling; the whole package. He has very good takedowns, doesn't mind pulling guard, and can dominate pretty much anybody from any position: guard (top or bottom), front headlock, and obviously can dominate from dominate positions, and almost never gets put into anything worse than bottom guard, where he would still be at an advantage over Machida.

I'm not saying it would be certain, but I think he would be a very interesting answer to the Machida enigma; at least as good as anybody else.

Now he just needs to start fighting again, sign with the UFC, and get a win or two; so this might take a while, but Machida might still be on top by then.

I'll post some videos when I get off this iPhone, please post some for me in the meantime to show the uninitiated what I am saying, and to remind yourselfs of just how much of a threat Arona would be to Machida.

[Dantes]

I have trouble watching Machida because I find him soooo boring. I understand he is a defensive guru and is a big fan of counterstrikes.. it's just I can't pretend I enjoy watching him fight..:dead

[Beebs]

His last two fights have been a lot different. I used to feel the same as you, the guy seemed to actually be going out of his way not to finish fights; Tito almost subbing him hopefuy flipped a switch in his brain that ending a fight ASAP is even safer than playing defense the whole time.

Have you seen his fights against Thiago Silva and Rashad? Those were pretty exciting, especially once he got his offense going, especially on Rashad who thought talking shit mid fight was a good idea.

[Dantes]

His last two fights have been a lot different. I used to feel the same as you, the guy seemed to actually be going out of his way not to finish fights; Tito almost subbing him hopefuy flipped a switch in his brain that ending a fight ASAP is even safer than playing defense the whole time.

Have you seen his fights against Thiago Silva and Rashad? Those were pretty exciting, especially once he got his offense going, especially on Rashad who thought talking shit mid fight was a good idea.

I haven't actually. I'll check them out and give him another go...:think

[scurlaruntings]

Lord alone knows whats happened to Arona. He's probably swinging through the Amazon jungle right now. Arona hasnt fought in nearly 2 years. Heres what Dana had to say about him though:

“I don’t think I have been worried about Arona beating everybody, . Didn’t Arona just loose? I think Arona just lost recently. There’s no reason I have been like: “Oh God Arona could beat everybody”, or… You know, if I thought Arona was gonna beat everybody he would be here right now”, said White, who already revealed who he’d like to face in a MMA fight. “I’d fight Arona first because I think he sucks! (Laughs). That’s a tough question. I’m not going to answer that one”.

[rusty nails]

machida is one of those fighters that only time alone will beat.
it wont happen till his competitive instict dims a bit or his body slows a little with age that the other guys will catch up with him..

[achillesthegreat]

Machida is a relatively complete fighter. It will take another complete fighter to beat him OR he'll need to face someone who has mastered their art i.e. wrestling, kick boxing etc

[berserkafied]

Chuck Norris

[BewareofDawg]

Brock Lesnar

[JonesHagler]

lmao Arona doesn't stand a fucken chance

[scurlaruntings]

lmao Arona doesn't stand a fucken chanceU shut up you tool. You dont even know who Arona is.

[rekcutnevets]

Beebs, you made some good points.

Machida's next fight may give us an answer. Machida may be better, technique wise, in every aspect when compared to Shogun. Shogun still may be able to use his chin and pressure to push Machida in a way we've yet to see. Machida is fast, and strikes with good precision. Machida is also hard to take down, and even purple belts in bjj appear to be difficult to submit in mma. Machida is a blackbelt, and I hear he is more than competent on the ground. I won't be surprise to see Shogun fail miserably.

I also won't be surprised to see Shogun leave Machida in a heap. Shogun attacks, attacks, and attacks; and I can't wait to see how this already shaping up to be invulnerable fighter deals with Rua.

[ryanty22]

machida is one of those fighters that only time alone will beat.
it wont happen till his competitive instict dims a bit or his body slows a little with age that the other guys will catch up with him..

i dont know about that so much. melvin manhoef is a pretty damn complete fighter as far as the standup arts go. i would love to see these two fighters in a stand up war it would be very interesting and i could see melvin sending lyoto into dreamland with a quick combo or visaversa

[achillesthegreat]

Silva?!?!?!?

[Vitor Belfort]

I haven't actually. I'll check them out and give him another go...:think

then i can see why you think he's boring. Watch those 2 fights and you'll change your mind for sure:thumbsup

[chimba]

I have trouble watching Machida because I find him soooo boring. I understand he is a defensive guru and is a big fan of counterstrikes.. it's just I can't pretend I enjoy watching him fight..:dead

I can see that with this post that you really have watched maybe 3 of Lyotos fights.

[chimba]

No ones beating Machida right now...Lets hope a diamond like Jones can shine because truthfully, he is the "type" to beat or compete with Lyoto in the future. After seeing Machida throw Silva like a rag and slap an explosive guy like Rashad (who was fighting and did well against HWs in TUF)

Lets not forget that Arona got knocked the fuck out by Sokodjou who was then "subbed" and in retrospect ruined by Lyoto. Hows that for irony. Its not MMA math, theres just a big gap.

Arona = please..u kidding me?

[Beebs]

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Guerriro

His takedowns are a bit like GSP, not as good, but he never wrestled competitively, just had a great coach in Gohlar.

[Primenal]

The answer to Machida is beat the shit outta this guy! Fighters need to stop being scared, and go get this guy! Evans was cautious, and scared, and why the first round was boring. Then, he just got caught cuz he seemed to have to much respect for Machida.
Machida is just evasive, and a good counter . Somebody jump on him AGGRESSIVELY would stand a good chance. Of course you run the risk of getting caught....BUT your going to get caught, and finished if you stand back, and do nothing.
Fighters are just plain dumb sometimes.......
The man is good, but not invinsible. He hasn't even really been tested.

[Beebs]

Well its not like Thiago Silva was passive.

[chimba]

The answer to Machida is beat the shit outta this guy! Fighters need to stop being scared, and go get this guy! Evans was cautious, and scared, and why the first round was boring. Then, he just got caught cuz he seemed to have to much respect for Machida.
Machida is just evasive, and a good counter . Somebody jump on him AGGRESSIVELY would stand a good chance. Of course you run the risk of getting caught....BUT your going to get caught, and finished if you stand back, and do nothing.
Fighters are just plain dumb sometimes.......
The man is good, but not invinsible. He hasn't even really been tested.

Nice try but Machida isnt feared. To some he is the most methodical (tactical) fighter. Hes not prime Wandy or Chuck who projects the fear of getting beatdown. Did you just say that a prime counterpunchers weakness is to be attacked aggressively? lol

As for the Evans fight, he always fought like that, against liddell and Forrest he was the counterpuncher, thats his game and it got him to be the UFC Champ. This is his bread and butter and it wasnt good enough to beat Lyoto. Had he been more aggressive, he would have gotten sparked sooner.

In MMA "right now" Machida is invincible as it gets, the man hasnt been hit let alone be beaten because the gap in skill is so large. Someone has to close that gap and he has to be great. For me the only one with potential is Jon Jones who has executed moves that Ive never seen in the Octagon, he can be special and thats what it'll will take to beat Lyoto at LHW.

[codeman99998]

Nice try but Machida isnt feared. To some he is the most methodical (tactical) fighter. Hes not prime Wandy or Chuck who projects the fear of getting beatdown. Did you just say that a prime counterpunchers weakness is to be attacked aggressively? lol

As for the Evans fight, he always fought like that, against liddell and Forrest he was the counterpuncher, thats his game and it got him to be the UFC Champ. This is his bread and butter and it wasnt good enough to beat Lyoto. Had he been more aggressive, he would have gotten sparked sooner.

In MMA "right now" Machida is invincible as it gets, the man hasnt been hit let alone be beaten because the gap in skill is so large. Someone has to close that gap and he has to be great. For me the only one with potential is Jon Jones who has executed moves that Ive never seen in the Octagon, he can be special and thats what it'll will take to beat Lyoto at LHW.

I don't know man. Machida hasn't exactly been running through the best of the best light heavys. Sure, he has looked fantastic in basically all of his fights. But Soko is looking like a flash in the pan. Tito was a good win but Tito wasn't exactly prime. Rashad was a great win. Thiago looked like he didnt have a pulse when they fought.

Machida is DEFINITELY great and may be champ for a long time, but he hasn't even defended his title yet. Let's see him in there with more top 10 guys before we start declaring him God.

[chimba]

I don't know man. Machida hasn't exactly been running through the best of the best light heavys. Sure, he has looked fantastic in basically all of his fights. But Soko is looking like a flash in the pan. Tito was a good win but Tito wasn't exactly prime. Rashad was a great win. Thiago looked like he didnt have a pulse when they fought.

Machida is DEFINITELY great and may be champ for a long time, but he hasn't even defended his title yet. Let's see him in there with more top 10 guys before we start declaring him God.

Who would you have him fight but whats in front of him? He stepped up to Soko in a prove it to Dana match and ended Sokos hype, Tito he dominated besides 10 seconds. Rashad is the Champ. You really think Rampage will beat him? lol

If his competition is shady at best, then in a sport where every given night anyone can get caught, Lyoto has dominated all of them with ease. Its safe to say that no one will do to Thiago and to Rashad what Lyoto did (Flawless victories). Thiago was limited but feared (that was a 50/50 fight going in). Rashad landed one shot and that was when Lyoto overcommitted a bit.

Sometimes you have to look at a fighters skillset and extract it from the context of a fight. Independently assessed, Lyotos attributes are what makes a great great fighter. Tactics (he has the best), Quickness, Balance, Power, Defense, Underrated Toughness, he has it all and it aint luck hes winning easily.

[codeman99998]

Who would you have him fight but whats in front of him? He stepped up to Soko in a prove it to Dana match and ended Sokos hype, Tito he dominated besides 10 seconds. Rashad is the Champ. You really think Rampage will beat him? lol

If his competition is shady at best, then in a sport where every given night anyone can get caught, Lyoto has dominated all of them with ease. Its safe to say that no one will do to Thiago and to Rashad what Lyoto did (Flawless victories). Thiago was limited but feared (that was a 50/50 fight going in). Rashad landed one shot and that was when Lyoto overcommitted a bit.

Sometimes you have to look at a fighters skillset and extract it from the context of a fight. Independently assessed, Lyotos attributes are what makes a great great fighter. Tactics (he has the best), Quickness, Balance, Power, Defense, Underrated Toughness, he has it all and it aint luck hes winning easily.

I don't disagree with anything you said. He is absolutely the champ for a reason. I don't really know what I was getting at with my post except that I want to see him defend against more top 10 fighters before I am convinced he is near unbeatable.

[chimba]

I don't disagree with anything you said. He is absolutely the champ for a reason. I don't really know what I was getting at with my post except that I want to see him defend against more top 10 fighters before I am convinced he is near unbeatable.

I hear yah, but there seems to be no one in the Horizon, someone exciting and with alot of buzz. Shogun, technically will get eaten alive. Rampage although dangerous can be kicked indefinitely and when Lyoto kicks, it'll take a pole to reach his face. Translation, he can kick all night. This goes in the ground, trouble for Rampage as well.

Theres just nobody, except Anderson which wont happen

[bulakenyo]

MACHIIIIDAA!! :ko

[Polymath]

Arona is a pretty good pic. I think he'd have a lot of trouble taking him down in the octagon though; theres so much space he wouldn't be able to just bull in and overpower Machida like he can to guys in the smaller ring. And his spastic striking would just get shredded. Again I think that manic unorthodox striking works better in a cramped environment like the Pride ring. At least he has an area where he is def. stronger than machida, and has a real possibility of imposing it. How far away is Arona from competing at the elite level again? Is he serious about fighting?

[Dantes]

I can see that with this post that you really have watched maybe 3 of Lyotos fights.

Clearly. Why would I watch more than that if I thought he was boring?:nut

[bulakenyo]

Clearly. Why would I watch more than that if I thought he was boring?:nut

MACHIIIIDA! :bbb

gViEZzvPP28

[SouthpawSlayer]

mauricio shogun rua

[neil hibbert]

Machida karateeeeee,

[Utter1]

I think to early to say that no one beats Machida. Would like to see him up against Shogun, Rampage, Henderson and Silva as they would all have a shot at beating him.

Shogun and Rampage though look past there best and silva is friends with machida.

[Blacc Jesus]

mauricio shogun rua
:smoke

[Beebs]

Machida karateeeeee,

Hilarious how he is branding it as Machida karate for marketing purposes; ala Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Don't be surprised to see some officially licensed Machida karate gyms opening up soon.

[ryanty22]

Hilarious how he is branding it as Machida karate for marketing purposes; ala Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Don't be surprised to see some officially licensed Machida karate gyms opening up soon.


i wouldnt doubt it and it would probably be backed by zuffa with dana as president of the company. like them or not they are some marketing sumbiatches. just about everything they touch turns to gold for them

[Dantes]

MACHIIIIDA! :bbb

gViEZzvPP28

Thanks for the HL! Changed my opinion a little bit- he's a great fighter but not my brand of excitement. Being so evasive it's still hard to see who could beat him. If Anderson Silva went up a class he has the tools to do it, or if Machida went up a class and fought Fedor he would get thoroughly beaten IMO.

[cdnboxing]

Machida may just be the most unbeatable fighter in the entire sport.

Rua wont do shit to him, its going to be an easy night for Machida. Rampage would look even worse. Machida is going to rule 205 for a very, VERY long time.

[jrow]

i really like machida he is great at every aspect of mma...im glad he got his title shot it was long over due,with that being said i think that rampage would stand a good chance at beating him,he has great knock out power and a great chin and good defense,but he needs to be more like the rampage that fought henderson with his unpredictable style instead of just always coming foward like we have seen in his last few fights

[rusty nails]

is machida still yet to lose a round?? thats just unbelievable..

[QuestionKid7]

I have trouble watching Machida because I find him soooo boring. I understand he is a defensive guru and is a big fan of counterstrikes.. it's just I can't pretend I enjoy watching him fight..:dead


You havn't seen his recent fights have you? I guess he may be a bit boring but no different than A. Silva.

I enjoy watching both. Out of the last 3 machida fights 2 ended in brutal ko fashion and the ortiz fight was extremely entertaining a great fight IMO.