UFC 94: More Than Meets the Eye

Much like the Transformers, there is a lot hidden in plain sight on this card. Due to the flashy exterior of the main event, many people are missing what truly lies beneath the surface: a very promising night of MMA. For starters, how many casual MMA fans actually know that the co-main event features two undefeated fighters in the toughest division (light heavyweight) on the planet? The answer, unfortunately, is probably not many.

Lyoto Machida holds an undefeated record of 13-0. He has notable wins over Stephan Bonnar, Rich Franklin, BJ Penn, and many other famous names. Unfortunately, his skill set is not exactly fan friendly which has undeservedly kept him away from the title shot that men with lesser records have earned.

Machida uses a combination of Shotokan Karate along with traditional striking to deftly move around his opponent, create angles, attack, and get back out before receiving any counter damage. He is also a BJJ expert who has the ability to submit almost anyone put in front of him.

He has used this style with incredible success in two of the toughest promotions on the planet: K-1 and (now) the UFC. Unfortunately, Machida does not put money in the UFC's pocket as a fan favorite. His inability to sell tickets and PPV buys has a lot to do with his style not providing many flashy finishes considering he only has five stoppages in 13 fights.

In my estimation, this is the only reason Dana White and Joe Silva have not seen fit to give Machida the title shot he so richly deserves.

Taking the totally opposite path to the title has been Machida's opponent on the 31st, Thiago Silva. Silva is an absolute wrecking ball of a fighter who has also amassed an astounding 13-0 record. The difference here is that 12 of his 13 wins have come by stoppage and 10 of those by KO.

Silva has not faced the level of competition Machida has, even after joining the UFC. Machida will be far and away Silva's toughest challenge yet in his short MMA career.

Silva's style of aggressive Muay Thai striking comes from his foundation in the Chute Boxe Academy who has churned out such vicious fighters as Wanderlei Silva and the Rua brothers. However, since coming to American Top Team, Silva has really seen his game explode and become more well rounded, especially in his traditional boxing skills.

Unfortunately for Silva his aggressive style plays right into the hands of Machida's deft "in-and-out" counter-striking style. Silva, who must know that even though his striking style plays right into the hands of Machida, is not as talented as Machida on the ground. So Silva will look to keep the fight standing which unfortunately does not give him the advantage that it usually would.

Silva might be more cautious than usual against a striker the caliber of Machida. However, this will not deter Machida from implementing his game-plan standing up because Machida's style does not depend on his opponent's style. Machida can be equally as effective counter striking as he is coming forward and moving in and out.

Ultimately, this fight will come down to whether or not Machida can frustrate Silva into coming forward too aggressively, like all of Machida's opponents do, so Machida can counter strike and rack up points. I believe Machida will win by decision (again) and the divide between MMA fans will grow ever wider over the enigma that is Machida.

Machida will win another decision against a tough opponent, proving again that he deserves a title shot that the UFC won't give to him. Silva, unless he lands a lucky punch, will be set back a peg but will continue putting on a damn good show for the fans that will only help his stock.

Much like the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons, there are two great forces headed toward a battle only one can win. Will it be the clean cut but slightly boring good guy or the scary and violent bad guy? Fortunately, no matter who you like, you can't argue with a perfect 14-0.