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UFC 104 “Machida vs. Shogun” Preview & Full Event Coverage By Justin Bolduc
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This weekend two of the greatest light heavyweight fighters in the history of mixed martial arts meet up to determine the king of the UFC's 205-pound division as undefeated champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida defends his title against former number one ranked and 2005 PRIDE Grand Prix champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
UFC 104 also features several other key matches. On the card highly regarded middleweights Yushin Okami and Chael Sonnen face off, while heavyweights Cain Velasquez and Ben Rothwell meet for a potential title shot. The main card is rounded out with two lightweight bouts featuring Josh Neer against Gleison Tibau and Joe Stevenson against Spencer Fisher, and welterweights Anthony Johnson and Yoshiyuki Yoshida.
The undercard also holds hopes for fireworks as top-level strikers Antoni Hardonk and Pat Barry meet in a heavyweight contest. Middleweights Jorge Rivera and Rob Kimmons meet in a classic striker versus grappler showdown and highly regarded UFC newcomer Chase Gormley meets his first true test in Stefan Struve. The Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader is also slated to make an appearance against Eric Schafer while the night's final match-up features Razak Al-Hassan against TUF alum Kyle Kingsbury.
Lyoto Machida (15-0) vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (18-3) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Lyoto Machida has brought a lot of attention to karate with his recent high profile performances. Despite early career wins over Rich Franklin, Stephan Bonnar, and B.J. Penn, Machida was primarily overlooked because of appearances in smaller promotions and what was known as a boring style. Recently though he has made quite a splash with hardcore and casual fans alike with knockouts over Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.
Machida made his UFC debut with an 8-0 professional record at UFC 67 against Sam Hoger. Machida won a one-sided decision but didn't gain much due to rather dull fight in terms of entertainment. He won another dull decision over David Heath at UFC 70 before putting on a much more aggressive performance against PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at UFC 76. After defeating Nakamura, Machida scored his first submission in the UFC against PRIDE veteran Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, then a decision over former UFC champion Tito Ortiz.
In his last two bouts Machida scored knockouts over Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans, with the latter earning him the UFC light heavyweight title. In fifteen professional mixed martial arts wins Machida has finished two opponents by submission and five by TKO, including a stoppage over former UFC champion Rich Franklin in 2003.
Intangibles:
UFC Record: 7-0 Strengths: Elusive, 3rd-dan Shotokan Karate black belt, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Weaknesses: Pressured to be more aggressive Key Wins: Rashad Evans, Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva, B.J. Penn, Rich Franklin, Stephan Bonnar, Vernon White, David Heath, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Kazuhiro Nakamura Notable Losses: None
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua quickly rose as the top fighter in the world's 205-pound division with devastating performances in the now defunct PRIDE organization. Employing a violently aggressive Muay Thai attack coupled with excellent Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he also quickly became a fan favorite. Rua rose to prominence alongside former PRIDE champion Wanderlei Silva and his own brother Murilo “Ninja” Rua in Brazil's Chute Boxe team, but currently trains at his own gym, Universidade de Luta.
Rua won his first four professional MMA bouts by TKO or knockout, including a stoppage over Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, before losing for the first time in his career to former Strikeforce champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral. He then immediately made his PRIDE debut and went 12-1 in the promotion, losing only to Mark Coleman after breaking his arm during a takedown forty-nine seconds into the bout. In 2005, “Shogun” won PRIDE's 205-pound tournament by defeating former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona – with the Overeem and Arona bouts taking place on the same night and each ending due to strikes.
Rua made his UFC debut against The Ultimate Fighter winner and former UFC champion Forrest Griffin at UFC 76, but lost due to a rear naked choke. Rua suffered a serious knee injury before the bout and didn't appear in good shape. After two surgeries and a lot of time off he won his return to the Octagon in a rematch against Mark Coleman, but looked tired and sloppy in the process. Most recently however he knocked out former UFC champion Chuck Liddell in the first round at UFC 97. In eighteen professional victories Rua has finished fifteen opponents by TKO or knockout and one by submission.
Intangibles:
UFC Record: 2-1 Strengths: Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, dangerous striker, aggressive Weaknesses: Questionable cardio Key Wins: Ricardo Arona, Quinton Jackson, Alistair Overeem (2), Chuck Liddell, Mark Coleman, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Kevin Randleman, Akihiro Gono, Cyrille Diabate Notable Losses: Forrest Griffin, Renato Sobral, Mark Coleman
PDG’s Guest Panel Opinions for ‘Machida vs. Shogun’
Bas Rutten – “Its going to be a great fight! Shogun is the better striker (hands), kicking wise I think he has the same skills as Machida he might kick harder though plus he has those crazy knees. Shogun is wilder than Machida, Machida is great at staying outside the opponents distance and countering the attacks that are thrown at him.
Paul “Semtex” Daley – “Another great fight put together by the UFC, I think if Shogun is back to his form while he was in PRIDE he can dominate Machida. If not, I think it's going to be an early night for him.”
Pat Miletich – “It's an amazing fight on paper that should give the fans a lot of excitement in the cage. Machida has been very difficult for people to figure out but I think it's a matter of time before his karate punching style comes back to haunt him. I am a third Dan in traditional Okinawan karate and do not like the way the hands are pulled back to your side after punching. This was done to load punches, but it was also considered disrespectful to punch your opponent in the face when karate was being perfected. Bad idea when punches are flying at you. Shogun seems to have found his groove in the UFC and his style could be just crazy enough to catch Machida. I think Shogun will do well if he uses his low kicks and cuts off the ring against Machida. If Shogun can trap Machida against the cage he won't be able to use his leaning back style of defense to avoid punches.
Machida does have strong takedowns and a good ground game that might be the deciding factor if he chooses to use those skills. If the fight stays standing I think Shogun wins. If the fight goes to the ground a lot Machida will stop him in the 3rd round.”
Mike Reilly (Team Bison) – “With one swift Kick Lyoto Machida entered us all into the era of the Dragon. Karate Dojo’s across the nation erupted into excited Kia-yaaaaas and people again started referring to Karate Kid parts 1, 2 and 4 as instructional videos. (Karate Kid III is really still just a coming of age movie). Gi wearing, board breaking, kata makers have always borne the scorn of MMA fans; but now one of them is king. All kidding aside Machida is a marvel in the sport.
He has amazing skill, speed and agility but most of all courage. Machida maybe the most fearless fighter we have seen in the Octagon.
In Shogun he faces a true test of his skill and courage. Rua can win at any part of the game. Shogun has great ground skills, but is a profound striker. The problem Rua may well face is strategy. While his jiu-jitsu is great; his ability to get opponents to the ground is not strong enough to control the Dragon. Shogun’s desire to use power punches will also play to Machida’s strengths. Lyoto has shown an ability to see through his opponent’s game plans and find openings to employ his best weapons. It will take him some time to find the holes in Shogun’s game; but he will get it done and the era of the Dragon will continue.
Machida – TKO round 3”
**On a Side Note – Good luck to Cain Velasquez and Chase Gormley who I predict will have quick victories.
C.B. Dollaway – “I think I am going to go with Machida for this one as he has looked solid in his last few fights and Shogun hasn't looked the same since he left PRIDE.”
Kevin “The Fire” Burns – “I think this will be a great fight for the fans. Both are well versed strikers w/lots of weapons available to them. Machida wins his 1st title defense by decision in a 5 round battle.”
Chris Camozzi – “I have to say Machida hands down. I really like Shogun but I don’t think he's earned the title shot yet. Machida is so elusive; I think I’ve seen Machida get punched maybe twice. Machida seems to feel people out for a while and he is very patient but when he decides to turn it on he crushes people.”
Cain Velasquez (6-0) vs. Ben Rothwell (30-6)
Cain Velasquez entered the UFC with only two professional fights but was highly regarded by his training partners at American Kickboxing Academy. Velasquez won his professional mixed martial arts debut in Strikeforce by TKO in under two minutes against Jesse Fujarczyk, then his next bout in Bodog FIGHT against Jeremiah Constant by TKO in four minutes. In his UFC debut he finished Brad Morris at UFC 83 by TKO.
At UFC Fight Night 14, Velasquez faced his first test in Jake O'Brien. Velasquez avoided O'Brien's takedowns and pounded out a TKO victory in just over two minutes. Velasquez went to the second round for the first time in his career in his next bout against Denis Stojnac. Stojnac, who trains alongside Stefan Leko, Semmy Schilt, and Alistair Overeem, among others, weathered Velasquez' early assault but gave in to strikes mid-way through round two. In his most recent appearance Velasquez was able to survive power shots from Cheick Kongo and utilized superior wrestling and ground and pound to win his first decision in his short six-fight career.
Velasquez has won five of his six professional bouts by TKO, four of which ended inside the first round. He trains at American Kickboxing Academy alongside Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Josh Thomson, Paul Buentello, and Mike Swick. Velasquez was a two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State and a Junior College National champion at Iowa Central Community College.
Intangibles:
UFC Record: 4-0 Strengths: All-American college wrestling background, strong Muay Thai clinch, most wins by TKO Weaknesses: Susceptible to big strikes Key Wins: Cheick Kongo, Jake O'Brien Notable Losses: None Ben Rothwell gained popularity with his performances in the now defunct IFL. Rothwell trains under former UFC champion Pat Miletich and has fought professionally almost forty times since his debut in 2001. Rothwell was undefeated in all nine of his IFL appearances and Saturday marks his UFC debut after the fall of Affliction MMA.
During his run in the IFL, Rothwell finished seven of his nine opponents, including The Ultimate Fighter's Krzysztoff Soszynski twice. His two decision wins were over current TUF fighter Roy Nelson and former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez. Rothwell also defeated Travis Fulton by submission in the IFL, who holds a professional record of 191-45-11.
After the downfall of the IFL, Rothwell faced former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski at Affliction: Banned. Rothwell survived Arlovski into the third round, but was inevitably knocked out by punches. In his most recent appearance he defeated Chris Guillen by submission due to strikes at Adrenaline 2. In thirty professional wins Rothwell has finished seventeen opponents by TKO and eleven by submission.
Intangibles:
UFC Record: 0-0 Strengths: Well-rounded, experienced, good conditioning Weaknesses: Struggles when he's not the one applying the pressure Key Wins: Roy Nelson, Krzysztoff Soszynski (2), Ricco Rodriguez, Travis Fulton (2), Dan Bobish, Kerry Schall (2) Notable Losses: Andrei Arlovski, Ibragim Magomedov, Dan Christison, Mike Whitehead, Tim Sylvia, Carlos Barreto
PDG's Fight to Watch One of the most compelling match-ups of UFC 104 is the welterweight bout between Anthony Johnson (7-2) and Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-3). Johnson enters Saturday with a two-fight win streak over Luigi Fioravanti and Kevin Burns, finishing each bout with strikes. He is one of the bigger welterweights in the world and is an explosive athlete with excellent wrestling and devastating striking. Yoshida enters Saturday riding a submission win over Brandon Wolff and has been known to grind out his opponents on the mat. A win for either fighter marks a rapid rise in the UFC ranks.
Additional Notes *Yushin Okami and Chael Sonnen are set to meet on the undercard. Due to the standing of each fighter it would make sense to see them on the main card, but also due to their boring nature it is no surprise that they find their way on the un-televised portion of the card. Each fighter likes to utilize wrestling and ground and pound, and both men are powerful. This is a key fight for each fighter as Sonnen is coming off a loss to Demian Maia while Okami has struggled to remain healthy.
*Joe Stevenson (30-10) and Spencer Fisher (23-4) match-up on the evening's main card. Fisher showcased good takedown defense in his questionable win over Caol Uno recently, and Stevenson showed improved striking in his last two bouts against Diego Sanchez and Nate Diaz. A win is big for both fighters here and puts either one in the hunt for the title.
*In the bout with the potential for the most fireworks, strikers Pat Barry (4-1) and Antoni Hardonk (8-5) meet up. Each are known for devastating strikes and brutal leg kicks. Hardonk has a stronger ground game, but its unlikely he will actually utilize it. If time remains for this to make its way on the pay-per-view broadcast just remember – don't blink!
UFC 104 Fight Card
Main Card: Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua (UFC Light Heavyweight Championship) Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell Josh Neer vs. Gleison Tibau Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Preliminary Card: Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen Pat Barry vs. Antoni Hardonk Jorge Rivera vs. Rob Kimmons Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al-Hassan Stefan Struve vs. Chase Gormley
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