Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold: What We Learned from UFC on Fox 15 Tilt
Saturday's main event at UFC on Fox 15 was booked to determine the next top contender for the UFC middleweight championship.
It essentially pinned divisional studs Lyoto Machida and Luke Rockhold against one another in a highly volatile matchup of world-class disciplines.
From Machida's unorthodox striking and countering abilities to Rockhold's athleticism and pinpoint accuracy, this was truly a difficult fight to predict.
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But it was Rockhold's dominating grappling that proved too much for The Dragon.
Here is what we learned from Saturday's main course:
What We'll Remember About This Fight
Rockhold has officially arrived.
As a former Strikeforce champion who was temporarily derailed by Vitor Belfort in his UFC debut, the 30-year-old has finally shed off the defeat and regained his title potential.
To much surprise, Rockhold absolutely battered Machida from bell to bell.
His athleticism and grappling were truly suffocating, draining the former top contender and making him look like a welterweight.
The biggest thing to remember about this fight is Rockhold's dominance and his ever-growing elite-level grappling.
What We Learned About Machida
At 36 years of age, Machida isn't going to be able to outpoint the younger and more athletic fighters for much longer.
That was represented in full in his disappointing performance opposite Rockhold.
Despite landing a few good shots in the beginning of Round 1, the Brazilian was out-muscled for the majority of Saturday's contest.
At the end of the day, Machida's technique and infamous counter-striking weren't enough against a powerful and lengthy grappler.
What We Learned About Rockhold
After showcasing rolling body locks, vicious ground-and-pound and his fight-ending rear-naked choke, Rockhold may have the best combination of grappling and athleticism in the game today.
Having scored points at every turn of this fight, the finishing specialist made mincemeat of Machida with tiresome clinch work and a tumultuous onslaught from top position.
Not to mention he held his own in close quarters on the feet.
As it stands right now, Rockhold may be the most well-rounded fighter without a promotional strap.
What's Next for Machida
This defeat is different than his loss to champion Chris Weidman at UFC 175.
This defeat was a one-sided beatdown that will now raise questions about the veteran's potential moving forward.
Now while it would be crazy to consider Machida over the hill, he will be forced back down the ladder to reclaim his divisional stake.
A matchup with Michael Bisping if he wins makes sense, along with a clash with Tim Kennedy.
What's Next for Rockhold
What's next? A title shot.
It's as simple as that.
Having now finished each of his last four fights, Rockhold has displayed the elite-level grappling and penetrating striking to challenge Weidman the day after tomorrow.
It's going to be an uphill battle to claim UFC gold, but anything less at this point would be a waste of talent and potential.
For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
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