UFC 98: Lyoto Machida Answers Questions and Erases Any Misconceptions

In the second round of the UFC 98 main event, Lyoto Machida answered all the questions and misconceptions the MMA world had about him prior to this fight.

Rashad Evans couldn’t hit Lyoto he only landed twice over two rounds and Lyoto was able to knock Evans Silly in the second round to take the light heavyweight title.

In all honesty, Rashad Evans looked bewildered by Machida and didn’t look very comfortable exchanging with Machida from the get go.

Evans’ best chance would have been to go back to the basics and try to deal with Machida on the ground.

Machida has good Jujitsu and he has trained in both Sumo and wrestling and as we saw in the Ortiz fight he knows how to stuff a take down. That being said, Evans started his professional career wrestling opponents to a decision. Against Machida it seemed like going back to the basics, which is wrestling, would have been the best bet for Rashad.

Going into UFC 98, there were a lot of questions and assumptions surrounding Lyoto Machida and the potential that he may one day be the light heavy weight champion.

To name a few, many fans said Lyoto was a boring fighter who outpointed opponents to a decision victory. People feel Lyoto will be a boring champion because of his style and the language barrier. Can Lyoto deal with the stronger fighters of the UFC like Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin or Quinton Jackson? Can Lyoto take a power punch and stay in a fight?

Now any questions and misconceptions that both critics and fans of Lyoto Machida have had were all answered and erased last night.

Let’s put things into perspective, Lyoto has knocked out two UFC fighters with a combined record of 31-2-1 and those two losses were the ones handed out by Machida back to back. That means 32 other fighters have tried to beat Rashad Evans or Thiago Silva and have failed, Machida is the only one to beat them.

Lyoto has finished seven of his 15 victories, the last two by vicious knockouts not to mention a brutal knockout of the former UFC champion Rich Franklin (24-4-1).

Lyoto Machida isn’t boring, he confuses his opponents and once they slip up they pay dearly and both Evan’s and Thiago Silva paid that price.

One could argue that Machida’s chin still hasn’t been tested to the full extent and most people would have to agree.

But I would like you think about this statement, Machida’s 15-0 record and the fact that he is the least hit fighter inside the UFC answer’s any questions one may have about his chin.

It doesn’t matter if Lyoto Machida has a weak chin or a strong chin.

If you haven’t been hit with a power shot in 15 fights and you’ve stepped into the ring with guys like Thiago Silva, Rashad Evans and Rich Franklin, the test of time tells us that whether Machida's chin is strong or weak is a moot point.

One of the more important questions answered by Lyoto’s performance tonight was answered in the post-fight interview.

Although he needed to have the translator to explain the questions asked to him by Joe Rogan, he answered them in good English and even played to the crowd.

He took the microphone from Rogan and basically empowered his fans by telling them if they have dreams they can and should do everything to make them possible.

Any athlete that speaks to his fans like that is going to gain respect from the fans and critics alike because those kinds of statements are empowering to everyone.

Machida, much like Rashad Evans, has realised that it takes more then just being a great fighter to be a champion.

Although Machida’s English is not perfect, it is very evident that he has been working hard at learning the language and he knows how to please the crowd.

As for Machida’s style, Joe Rogan put it perfectly, Karate on it’s own in MMA isn’t enough, but combined with Sumo, Jiu-jitsu, Wrestling and Muay Thai, the elusiveness and timing unique to Karate becomes a very valuable asset.

On a side note, for as cocky as Rashad Evans is when he wins, he is equally as humble in his losses.

Evans did the post-fight interview even after being knocked out and he did it with a smile. Rashad tipped his hat to Lyoto Machida, basically saying that Lyoto was too much for him tonight.

As for Lyoto’s next opponent, Rampage Jackson, I expect a similar outcome to Lyoto’s last two victories. Rampage Jackson doesn’t have anything new to bring to the table that could pose a threat to Lyoto Machida’s title besides having a lot of experience.

Until next time, in the spirit of Machida's victory, follow and realize your dreams my friends.