Shogun Rua Thinks Lyoto Machida Would Beat Jon Jones

Many people want to see Lyoto Machida face off against Jon Jones. It's the possible fight that Jones could lose.

Machida's elusive, counter-attack, karate-style standup is what many peg as "Jones Kryptonite."

In fact, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, the former light heavyweight champion who lost his belt to Jones in March, would bet on Machida in a fight against Jones.

“He has every chance to beat Jones,” Shogun told Sherdog.com. “His counterattack style is very strong and tough to beat. I think his style could match perfectly with Jones” style. I'd bet on him if I had to.”

Machida lost the light heavyweight belt to Shogun last year in a rematch between the two fighters. Machida also recently backed Shogun saying that Jones didn't face the real Shogun in their UFC 128 bout.

But now, both fighters face new tests. Shogun faces former light heavyweight champion, Forrest Griffin, at UFC in Rio, and Machida faces former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture.

Shogun even favors Machida to win that bout with Couture at UFC 129.

“Lyoto's going to win,” Shogun said. “He's very fast and agile for the division, and Couture is not at his best. It”s very difficult to force a ground fight with Lyoto. He has a strong base and balance. If Couture puts him down, he has a chance to win. He”s always dangerous, but he can only win if he can get the fight on the ground.”

A bout between Shogun and Couture is very possible if they both win their next fights to see who would receive contender status for the light heavyweight belt.

“I'm 100 percent focused on Griffin,” Shogun said. “If I win that fight, and if Couture defeats Lyoto, let's see what happens. I would accept that fight, for sure.”