UFC 98 “Evans vs. Machida” Preview and Full Event Coverage

UFC 98 “Evans vs. Machida” Preview and Full Event Coverage

By Justin Bolduc and Dave Carpinello

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This weekend the UFC returns with an interesting card pitting undefeated light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans against undefeated Lyoto Machida and former UFC welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra meet up in a grudge match.

Taking place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 98 also features former WEC welterweight contender Brock Larson, former UFC lightweight champion and welterweight contender Sean Sherk, lightweight contender Frank Edgar, TUF finalist Phillipe Nover, and Japanese star Yoshiyuki Yoshida.

Rashad Evans (13-0-1) vs. Lyoto Machida (14-0)

Rashad Evans rose to popularity and notoriety through the second season of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV. Evan appeared on the show as a heavyweight, and ultimate won the finals against Brad Imes.

Evans, who in reality is a friendly, humble guy, has drawn negative criticism from some over his antics and showboating in the ring. Outside of that, he received early criticism for a boring wrestling style, although he was winning his fights fairly effectively.

Evans really came out of his shell as a fighter at UFC 63 when he knocked out Jason Lambert from mount in the second round. In his next fight he was outwrestled for one round by Sean Salmon before scoring a devastating head kick knockout and showing the world his newfound kickboxing.

The only hiccup on Evans' record came against Tito Ortiz. Ortiz, who had won on the score cards two rounds to one, had a point deduction in the middle of the fight for repeatedly grabbing the fence. The point deduction saved Evans' undefeated record, forcing a draw.

Since then Evans has won three straight, edging out fellow TUF winner Michael Bisping by split decision, and most recently scoring knockouts over Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin – the latter for the UFC light heavyweight championship.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Devastating KO power, wrestling background, fast and agile

Weaknesses: Appears to have abandoned his wrestling roots

Key Wins: Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping, Jason Lambert, Stephan Bonnar, Hector Ramirez

Notable Losses: None

Possessing an unorthodox karate style, but beautiful technique, Lyoto Machida has been on the tongues of hardcore MMA fans for years. The undefeated fighter gained attention with notable wins overseas over former UFC champions Rich Franklin and B.J. Penn, as well as The Ultimate Fighter finalist Stephan Bonnar.

In Machida's first bout in America he defeated veteran Vernon “Tiger” White be decision at WFA: King of Streets. Following the bout WFA went under and assets were purchased by the UFC. Machida was one of the fighters acquired.

In his first two UFC bouts Machida outpointed Sam Hoger and David Heath. He then faced PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura, winning another decision – although with a more aggressive style and several attempts to finish his Japanese opponent.

Machida then ended the hype-machine behind Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou with a second round arm-triangle choke. He then defeated former UFC champion Tito Ortiz by decision, and most recently scored a first round knockout over previously-undefeated Thiago Silva.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Incredibly elusive, patient, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt

Weaknesses: Not as large or physically powerful as most other 205-pounders

Key Wins: Thiago Silva, Tito Ortiz, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Vernon White, B.J. Penn, Rich Franklin, Stephan Bonnar

Notable Losses: None

Guest Fighter Panel Picks – Analysis for Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida

Kevin Randleman – “I think this is going to be a great fight. I am a wrestler and I think that the right person will be able to catch Machida. He moves around so much that you really have to keep your attention on his lead leg and avoid his karate to get the take down. Most of his opponents had just tried to get out of the way and I think that Rashad will do that a couple of times until he gets hit. Then Rashad is going to close that distance and take him down. I am pretty sure that Greg Jackson is putting on a great camp and if Rashad performs and follows the gameplan he will win this fight. Not just because he is a wrestler but because he is quick, fast and he has a lot of talent.”

Tito Ortiz – “Well to start it off. I think Machida will win by what Joe Rogan calls, "elusiveness"! or in my words "hit and run". This will be a great test for Evans to find the range to get the takedown. Machida is the favorite in my experience with both fighters. Never mind there's only one of the fighters that are undefeated truthfully. That mark one on Rashad's record isn't a draw. It's nice to see that one guy I almost submitted will be the champ and the other that I beat is the champ. I’m still a force to be reckon with.”

Pat Miletich – “Rashad by decision. I see Rashad as a quick enough athlete to give Machida some problems.”

Nate Quarry – “Evans/Machida has the capability to be one of the most exciting or boring fights in UFC history. Machida moves backwards so much and Evans has in the past just waited for his moment. That being said, Evans fight against Forrest was an amazing display. And the way Machida is able to come inside and just toss opponents to the ground is incredible. Very tough fight to call.”

Jamie Varner – “Machida by boring decision.”

Paul Daley – “Not sure which way to go with Rashad and Machida. But it's either Rashad by TKO/KO or Machida via decision.”

Scott Casber (Takedown Radio) – “Although this is going to be a hell of a battle I must remain with my personal favorite Sugar [Rashad Evans]. He's a former collegiate wrestler who knows what it takes to win. He's afraid of no one and will do what it takes to remain on the winning side.”

Josh Thomson – “I am going to take Machida in this fight because other than Evans' fight with Liddell, Machida has fought tougher competition. I think that Machida’s experience and style is going to give Rashad problems but it is going to be an interesting fight since both are counter-punchers. For Rashad to win he is going to have to get the takedowns and I don’t see that happening.”

Mike Reilly (Team Bison) – “Since Rashad’s fights on TUF the majority have bet against him. He is too one dimensional, can’t finish, no jits, and so on – But all the kid does is win. He has walked through every obstacle all the way to the title. Rashad has proven in every step of his career he is the real deal. He has power in his hands and feet, great wrestling, work ethic and a chin to match. On the other side is Machida who has a deep and impressive skill set himself. Neither man has had any real weaknesses exposed. I believe this fight will come down to game plan and style. Rashad’s style is one that can frustrate opponents and get them to over reach. Look for Machida to score early and often but fail to hurt Evans. Rashad will pick his spots and I think some where in the 3rd land the decisive blow to take control of the bout.

Evans TKO – 3rd”

Matt Hughes (42-7) vs. Matt Serra (9-5)

Matt Hughes has been called the greatest champion in UFC history, and outside of Georges St. Pierre's recent run of destruction even the greatest welterweight in mixed martial arts history. While recent setbacks have done slight damage to an incredible career, downfalls of Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva have kept the pressure of twilight years off of Hughes.

Hughes' extensive professional MMA career dates back to January 1, 1998 where he forced a submission from a slam in only fifteen seconds. Hughes compiled an impressive record with a busy schedule over two years of 22-1, including wins over Akihiro Gono, Joe Doerksen, and Dave Menne, with his sole loss coming against Dennis Hallman. Hughes then made his UFC debut at UFC 26 in a rematch with Hallman, losing once again.

Hughes was then knocked out in his next bout by Jose Landi-Jons, but was able to rebound with seven consecutive wins, earning another shot at the UFC. Since UFC 34 he has remained with the UFC and has picked up several significant wins, including two over Carlos Newton and Frank Trigg, and further wins over Sean Sherk, Hayato Sakurai, Georges St. Pierre, and Royce Gracie.

At UFC 63, Hughes appeared to be on the verge of losing a second contest against B.J. Penn, but after a rib injury suffered by Penn, Hughes was able to put the fight away. Following Hughes has lost three of his last four, falling to a knockout and submission against St. Pierre, winning a decision against Chris Lytle, and most recently losing by TKO to Thiago Alves. In forty-two wins Hughes has earned fifteen TKO's and eighteen submissions.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Two-time Div I All-American wrestler, brutal ground and pound, physically strong

Weaknesses: Lackluster striking

Key Wins: Carlos Newton (2), Georges St. Pierre, B.J. Penn, Hayato Sakurai, Joe Riggs, Chris Lytle, Frank Trigg (2), Joe Doerksen, Dave Menne, Akihiro Gono, Sean Sherk, Renato Verissimo

Notable Losses: Georges St. Pierre (2), Thiago Alves, Jose Landi-Jons, B.J. Penn, Dennis Hallman (2)

Matt Serra joined the UFC after winning his first three professional bouts. In his debut he was knocked out by a spinning backfist from “Mr. International” Shonie Carter, but has since emerged as a quality fighter in the promotion's stable.

In his first UFC win he edged out Yves Edwards in a majority decision. After picking up a submission win in his next appearance, Serra lost two in a row to B.J. Penn and Din Thomas. Serra was then able to get on another two-fight win streak with wins over Jeff Curran and Ivan Menjivar, but then lost to highly-regarded Karo Parisyan.

Following the loss to Parisyan, Serra appeared on season four of The Ultimate Fighter, which featured UFC veterans. Serra competed at welterweight on the Spike TV-based reality show and reached the finals where he defeated Chris Lytle. Winning season four scored Serra a title shot which he took full advantage of, defeating Georges St. Pierre by TKO in the first round.

One year after claiming the welterweight title Serra rematched St. Pierre and was defeated by strikes in the end of round two. He has not competed in over a year. Outside of winning TUF 4 and being a one-time UFC champion, Matt Serra was the first American to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under a Gracie.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, good wrestling, heavy hands

Weaknesses: Natural lightweight

Key Wins: Georges St. Pierre, Ivan Menjivar, Jeff Curran, Yves Edwards, Chris Lytle

Notable Losses: Georges St. Pierre, Karo Parisyan, Shonie Carter, B.J. Penn, Din Thomas

Guest Fighter Panel Picks – Analysis for Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra

Nate Quarry – “Serra/Hughes is the fight I'm personally tuning in to see. Ever been to a UFC and seen a fight break out in the stands? Everyone turns to watch it. Why would they want to see two drunken brawlers instead of two well conditioned athletes? Because of the passion the drunken idiots have. We're addicted to seeing this personal part of people's lives. It's what makes us tune in to reality shows. We want to see those raw emotions on display. It's one of the few taboos left in the world. Well, guess what? That's what we get to see with Hughes and Serra. Two guys who don't like each other. One farm boy and one New Yorker. Hughes plan is going to be the same as always. Take him down and ground and pound. But Serra is going to be very tough to do that to. He's got very fast hips and is built well for reversals and submissions. And Serra has proven he has knock out power in his hands. I don't generally give predictions because I usually get them wrong but... I've got to go with Serra on this one.”

Josh Thomson – “This is a tough fight to call but I think that Hughes is going to be too big for Serra. Hughes’ guard is good enough to stop any submission attempts by Serra and he will have the size advantage to take Serra down. Hughes will probably win this.”

Pat Miletich – “Matt Hughes if he can get Serra into the 2nd round.”

Jamie Varner – “Hughes by decision.”

Mike Reilly (Team Bison) – “A battle built on a lot of manufactured angst. Despite the “personal” nature of this bout neither man really has much to prove and both are entering the downward runs of great careers. The loser will just take a steeper rout.

I think most people will be pulling for Serra because he has a better sense of humor. The reality is however that Serra is too small and too one dimensional for the humorless Hughes. Serra’s best bet would be on his feet; but I think he would rather be on his back and there is little he can do to stop Hughes from putting him there. Jujitsu will not be enough to stop Hughes whose ground and pound skills make him a HOF shoe in once he hangs up the gloves.

It won’t be bad blood that decides this fight – just a bad match up.

Hughes TKO round 1”

Paul Daley – “I think Matt Hughes wins via TKO stoppage in the 2nd.”

Scott Casber (Takedown Radio) – “I've always been a fan of Hughes and know that twins will always fight hard and as a hard nosed farm kid Hughes has the edge. From a youth vs age standpoint I might take Serra but and this is a big But, Hughes may have something to prove here and I look for this to go early with Hughes on top.”

Dan Miller (11-1, 1 NC) vs. Chael Sonnen (21-10-1)

Originally set to face Japan's Yushin Okami, Dan Miller instead finds himself against a different, albeit it similar, opponent this weekend. Miller, who trains alongside his brother Jim – who is also in the ranks of the UFC, is on a four-fight win streak – or nine if you exclude a no contest last year.

Miller began competing in professional mixed martial arts in 2005 and won each of his first two bouts by submission. The sole loss of his career came against UFC veteran Mike Massenzio by split decision in his next bout.

After securing three more career wins Miller defeated Dave Phillips with a guillotine choke in the first of two IFL appearances. His second IFL appearance was a kneebar victory over Ryan McGivern in May of last year.

Miller's last three bouts have all taken place in the UFC, and have each ended in victory. In his debut he tapped out Rob Kimmons with a rear naked choke in less than one and a half minutes. His second win was a decision over fellow IFL veteran Matt Horwich, and most recently he submitted Jake Rosholt with a guillotine choke in 1:03.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Wrestling background, most wins by submission, well rounded

Weaknesses: Comparatively inexperienced

Key Wins: Ryan McGivern, Matt Horwich, Rob Kimmons

Notable Loss: Mike Massenzio

Chael Sonnen has been competing in professional mixed martial arts for more than seven years and has racked up more than thirty bouts. Currently training with Team Quest, Sonnen was a two-time National wrestling champion, a two-time All American wrestler, and an altername for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team.

Despite an extensive career, Sonnen has struggled to compete and remain at the top level of the sport. Sonnen began his career with a 13-6-1 record before joining the UFC. During that time he picked up wins over Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Homer Moore, and Jason Lambert, but also dropped bouts to notable competition including Forrest Griffin, Jeremy Horn, Terry Martin, Trevor Prangley, and Keiichiro Yamamiya.

In his UFC debut Sonnen lost due to a triangle choke to Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral. In his next appearance he avenged a prior loss to Trevor Prangley, but then lost to Jeremy Horn for a third time in his career. Sonnen was subsequently cut by the UFC.

Sonnen then picked up five consecutive wins, including four in BodogFIGHT over Tim Credeur, Alexey Oleinik, Tim McKenzie, and Amar Suloev before being brought into the WEC. In his WEC debut he challenged former champion Paulo Filho for the promotion's middleweight title. In a controversial stoppage, Sonnen lost the bout due to a technical submission. After defeated Bryan Baker, the WEC gave Sonnen a rematch, but the bout was scheduled as a non-title affair after Filho failed to make weight. Sonnen defeated Filho in a lackluster fight, handing the Brazilian his first career loss. Most recently Sonnen lost by submission to still-undefeated Demian Maia in his return to the UFC.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Improved boxing, strong wrestling background, good conditioning

Weaknesses: Struggles with submission fighters

Key Wins: Paulo Filho, Amar Suloev, Trevor Prangley, Tim Credeur, Tim McKenzi, Jason Miller, Homer Moore, Jason Lambert, Bryan Baker

Notable Losses: Jeremy Horn (3), Demian Maia, Paulo Filho, Trevor Prangley, Terry Martin, Forrest Griffin, Keiichiro Yamamiya, Renato Sobral

Sean Sherk (33-3-1) vs. Frank Edgar (9-1)

Sean Sherk has emerged as one of the premiere fighters in the world at both 155 and 170 pounds. Sherk competed on numerous occasions in the welterweight division, most especially in the UFC due to the promotion's lack of a lightweight division. Sherk ranked highly universally in the welterweight top ten lists of experts and fans alike before the UFC reinstated the lightweight division.

With a professional career dating back to 1999 Sherk has defeated top flight talent while only losing three times in his career – each to the cream of the crop. Prior to his first bout in the UFC, Sherk had picked up wins over Karo Parisyan, Manny Gamburyan, and Tiki Ghosn, while also fighting to a draw with Kiuma Kunioku.

Sherk won his first two UFC bouts against Jutaro Nakao and Benji Radach. The promotion then granted him a title shot against Matt Hughes. After performing well in the first two rounds, Hughes took off and won a unanimous decision to retain his title. Sherk then disappeared from the UFC for nearly three years.

With a twelve-fight win streak behind him, Sherk returned to the UFC at UFC 56 where he lost to Georges St. Pierre by TKO – the first and only one of two stoppage losses of his career. Sherk was then able to win a decision over Nick Diaz before moving to lightweight to fight Kenny Florian for the UFC's vacant lightweight championship – marking the promotion's resurrection of the division.

Sherk won a hard-fought, but one-sided decision over Florian. He successfully defended the title against Hermes Franca at UFC 73, but both fighters tested positive for anabolic steroids and were suspended. Sherk was subsequently stripped of the title. In his return to action he lost by TKO to current champion B.J. Penn. Most recently he edged out a decision against Tyson Griffin at UFC 90.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Outstanding wrestling, never-ending cardio, physically strong

Weaknesses: Mediocre boxing defenses

Key Wins: Karo Parisyan (2), Kenny Florian, Tyson Griffin, Hermes Franca, Benji Radach, Jutaro Nakao, Tiki Ghosn, Manny Gamburyan

Notable Losses: Georges St. Pierre, B.J. Penn, Matt Hughes

Frank Edgar made his UFC debut at UFC 67 in 2007 where he defeated Tyson Griffin in a close decision in what many hailed as one of the best fights of the year. Edgar had a 5-0 record when he joined the Zuffa-owned promotion and won eight consecutive fights before suffering his first and only defeat.

Following his win over Griffin, Edgar picked up a TKO win over Mark Bocek at UFC 73. In his next performance he continuously put Spencer Fisher on his back and rode out a unanimous decision after three rounds.

In his first defeat Edgar experienced his own style first hand as Gray Maynard defended takedowns, and scored his own. Maynard controlled the action from the top and outpointed Edgar after fifteen minutes. Most recently Edgar won a unanimous decision over Hermes Franca at UFC Fight Night 14 last July. Edgar used takedowns and ground control to defeat the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Good wrestling, excellent cardio, excellent sprawl

Weaknesses: Struggles off his back

Key Wins: Tyson Griffin, Spencer Fisher, Hermes Franca, Jim Miller, Deividas Taurosevicius, Mark Bocek

Notable Loss: Gray Maynard

Drew McFedries (7-5) vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-10)

Drew McFedries burst into the MMA mainstream with an exciting TKO win over Alessio Sakara in his UFC debut. In his next bout he lost to Martin Kampmann, but displayed more aggressive, dangerous striking.

McFedries was able to rebound with a thirty-three second knockout over Jordan Radev, but stumbled once again when he was toppled by Patrick Cote. Splitting wins and losses, McFedries won his next bout by TKO against Marvin Eastman.

As an MFS fighter, McFedries has lost his two most recent bouts to Mike Massenzio and Thales Leites – each in early first round submissions. Prior to his UFC career he was 4-1, with the sole loss to former UFC middleweight contender Nate Quarry.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Heavy hands, good chin, aggressive

Weaknesses: Lacks a quality ground game

Key Wins: Alessio Sakara, Marvin Eastman

Notable Losses: Nate Quarry, Martin Kampmann, Patrick Cote, Mike Massenzio, Thales Leites

Known as “Professor X”, Xavier Foupa-Pokam has quite an extensive record in his seven year career. He is a Cage Rage veteran, with additional appearances in PFC, DEEP, and Jungle Fight.

By the time he made his Cage Rage debut, Foupa-Pokam was already struggling with a 7-6 record. The promotional debut didn't help much however, as he lost and dropped to an even record. He split his next two bouts, including a loss in DEEP to Ryuta Sakurai.

“Professor X” then picked up the biggest win streak at that point in his career with five victories, including one over Alex Reid, before losing to PRIDE veteran and former EXC champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua.

More recently Foupa-Pokam won seven in a row, all by stoppage, to earn a shot at the UFC. In his UFC debut he lost to PRIDE star Denis Kang by decision.

Intangibles:

Strengths: Experienced, most wins by TKO, well rounded

Weaknesses: Struggles under pressure

Key Wins: Matt Ewin, Alex Reid, Kyacey Uscola

Notable Losses: Denis Kang, Matt Ewin, Ryuta Sakurai, Murilo Rua, Paul Daley, Martin Kampmann

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