UFC 123 Results: Rampage Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida, What Happens Next?
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson defeated Lyoto Machida by split decision Saturday night at UFC 123.
So what's on the horizon for these two fighters? Here are a few ideas.
There's a visible logjam at the top of the light heavyweight division, but a couple of lesser-known names might be floating up the river and into the conversation.
What do you think? After Saturday's fight, what should the future hold for these two distinguished fighters?
1. Rematch
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The judge's scorecards were close (and, in some quarters, controversial) enough that a rematch just makes sense, though certain segments of the MMA fanbase may not exactly be clamoring for it given Machida's reluctance to engage with the hard-driving Jackson.
Rampage himself acknowledged these realities after the fight, saying, "Even though I don't want to, I think it would be fair to have an immediate rematch," according to Yahoo's Cagewriter blog.
For his part, Machida also said he would be open to this possibility.
(UPDATE: Dana White has now said there will be no immediate rematch. It still seems inevitable, though, that these two will clash again down the road.)
2. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
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Any list like this should include the champ.
If Shogun defeats Rashad Evans this spring, perhaps Rampage gets a shot. It would be a rematch for the two, as Rua got the better of Jackson in 2005, back during their Pride days. (Although, for the record, Rua did it with soccer kicks—literally kicking an opponent when he's down—which aren't allowed in the UFC.)
Though this may not be the world's most likely scenario, it's less likely that the UFC would schedule a rubber match between Shogun and The Dragon anytime soon.
3. Rashad Evans
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After nearly a year off following Rua's knee surgery, Suga and Shogun are on a collision course for March.
If Rashad wins back the belt, a return grudge match with Rampage, who Evans defeated but not in convincing fashion, would undoubtedly move the needle.
If Rashad loses, a rematch with Machida—who whooped Evans in their first meeting—could also be of interest.
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4. Thiago Silva
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The forgotten man in the light heavyweight division. I don't know why, though. Since joining the UFC in 2007, Silva has gone 5-2, with his only losses coming to Rashad Evans and one Lyoto Machida.
If he gets past Brandon Vera on New Year's Day, one would assume that the hard-hitting Brazilian would love to test his power against Rampage, or take another crack at solving Machida's suddenly mortal defensive strategy.
5. Dancing with the Stars
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After the way Machida danced away from contact last night, you think ABC would be interested in unleashing The Dragon on the parquet floor? After all, it worked for Chuck Liddell.
You don't think Machida could beat the likes of Bristol Palin? Ah, you're nuts.
6. Jon Jones
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I've said it before in this air space, and I'll say it again: I think Jon Jones needs to fight the best. No more muckin' around.
Whether or not he gets through Ryan Bader in February, the phenom should be vaulting the Tito Ortizes of the world for a fight that means something. A bout against either of these guys would qualify.
7. Ryan Bader
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This up-and-coming, heavy-handed grappler could give Machida a war, or help determine if Rampage still has the eye-popping wrestling skills that got him to the top in the first place.
8. Phil Davis
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After overwhelming Tim Boetsch last night, Mr. Wonderful might be on the fast track to the top of the division.
Machida would certainly present the biggest test to date for Davis' All-American wrestling tool kit, while giving Lyoto something of a reprieve from the pool of immediate title challengers.
9. Forrest Griffin
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Say what you want about Forrest, but you have to admit his fights are interesting. Also, don't forget that he took Jackson's belt.
If both men are serious about it, and Griffin can get his mojo back against Rich Franklin, this could be a great rematch.
If Joe Silva, Dana White and company wanted to put him against Machida, you can be sure Griffin would make The Dragon fight, whether it's in Griffin's best interests or not. (Just ask Anderson Silva.)
10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
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Lil Nog has elite jiu-jitsu but, in my humble opinion, would likely be an easy win for either of these fighters.
It is pretty unlikely, however, that Machida would sign on in the first place, given that they train in the same gym.
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