Would Lyoto Machida Be Able To Incinerate Shane Carwin?

Don't you just love wondering "what if" when it comes to fights?

I know I do.

That's why it's fun to watch combat sports like MMA and Boxing — because you can always speculate on what might happen but you're lucky to come close to right once about a spot-on prediction as to what will happen in a fight.

So with that, I'd like to take this opportunity to speculate as I do from time to time and bring forth to you, the loyal Bleacherholics of the world, another strong-willed opinion about a vivid fantasy in MMA.

On top of that, I'd like to do so in the style of "Agree To Disagree".

The style of "Agree To Disagree" is one in which two writers may choose to debate healthily about a hypothetical fight in the world of MMA.

New writer Jordan Bujko opined yesterday about a fight that he opened up to you, the B/R MMA community.

The opinion? That a heavyweight bout between former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida and former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin would be an exciting bout for UFC fans to see.

Would it be exciting to watch?

You're asking a guy who belives Cain can beat Brock , so I'd say "hell yeah, that'd be absolutely fun to watch!"

Now do I think that Lyoto would be quicker on the KO than Shane?

That's where I flip Jordan's words to my liking.

See, I do like the Black House force — they're my favorite camp in the sport — but truth be told, I'm not sure that I like Machida in this fight.

Sure, he would have the speed advantage over Carwin, and it wouldn't be wise to assume that Carwin would come in to this fight with the best cardio.

But how would the "lighter-heavyweight" Machida fare in a dimension outside of his own 205 division?

At heavyweight, it'd be tough to really say also that Machida would carry that same speed advantage.

Not to say he wouldn't, but I think it'd be tougher for Machida to move as quickly as he does at 205, especially if he packs on enough poundage to make the heavyweight minimum.

Still, I understand the point of Machida being a "lighter-heavyweight", though it's not like the former champ had difficulty making weight.

Maybe he'll keep a distinct advantage in the speed department and maybe he won't. It depends on how Machida conditions himself for the fight.

As far as striking, it could be the central point of interest in the fight because both men are known for their standup.

I've never seen Carwin throw too many leg kicks, but then again I hadn't seen Carwin in round two before he faced Lesnar.

I've seen Machida's kicks and his punches, and they're as lethal as any that you'll see in the UFC for sure, but would they be able to connect?

The thought of "what if they connect?" has a different outcome than what the other formidable view would have you think.

"If Machida connects, it might send Carwin to the ground"?

My viewpoint will respectfully have to declare the opposite.

Machida won't send himself to the ground if he lands a counterpunch on Carwin, but he won't send the Jackson-camp juggernaut down with one either.

I see Carwin clipping Machida, but Machida's movement and cardio would surprise me as I admit that I wouldn't expect Machida to have good cardio and a speed advantage at heavyweight.

Hey, at least I'm honest about it.

The key to this fight is Machida's Sumo Vs. Carwin's Wrestling.

Both men have expertise in two very diverse disciplines of wrestling, and both can be dangerous on the ground should they utilize it.

Machida would have to use his strength to take Carwin down, and all the same, Carwin would have to use his strength to take Machida down.

If Machida can keep Carwin off-balance with some kicks either to the body or to the legs, then he can take him down.

I wouldn't see Carwin taking Machida to the ground, but I think he should to wear down Machida.

While the 16-1 Shotokan Karate black belt does carry a BJJ black belt, I could see him having difficulty with defending himself from the on-top offense of Carwin once the fight hits the ground.

Also important is self-pacing, especially if you're Carwin.

There is such a thing as gassing out before the end of the round, and if either man does so, they'll be setting themselves up for a trip to the loss column.

From the onset, I would be at a stalemate, but I see Carwin actually beating Machida.

The man could be too much for The Dragon to handle at heavyweight in terms of power and strength, though I do respect Machida's heart and fighting spirit.

This is only speculation, though.

I don't know what would really go down if Machida ever faced Carwin in the Octagon, and I don't think any of us will ever see this fight happen.

But what if we do?

For those who feel as though Machida would get the better end of this fight, you can find Jordan Bujko's skillful take here .