UFC 140 Predictions: What a Loss Would Mean for Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida was once in exactly the same spot that champion Jonny "Bones" Jones is today. He too was once hailed as an unbeatable champion who would hold the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Belt for years. At one time, he too had managed one successful title defense.

Today at UFC 140, the former champion has a chance to bring back "the Machida Era" and perhaps even create the dominant reign he was supposed to have last time around; an era that was cut short by Maurício "Shogun" Rua a year and a half ago. 

History has repeated itself as Lyoto is getting this title shot the same way he got his first title shot against Rashad Evans at UFC 98: The number one contender —ironically Rashad Evans—isn't available for the fight. A replacement was needed and Lyoto was the perfect fit.

Fate and timing have given Lyoto Machida a chance to change his stars and erase the memory of his disappointingly short-lived first title reign.

Right now, Lyoto Machida's legacy could use and upgrade.  He is a member of the fraternity of one-hit wonder UFC champions. 

Machida has to win this fight if he wants to lay claim to a better legacy than that. With all the fighters lining up for a shot at Jones' belt, another opportunity to fight for the title might never come again. 

But what if he loses? 

Well, it depends on how he loses. If Lyoto manages to out-fight Jones for a couple of rounds and loses by controversial decision, then Mr. Machida will always be on the short list for a possible rematch against Jones. 

But if Jones beats Machida in dominant fashion, then Machida will probably never fight for the title again and Jones will remain champion. And from what we've seen so far, Jones could be champion for a long time.

That may not be a pleasant future for The Dragon, but a loss to Jon Jones won't be the end of the world for him. So far, everyone Jones has fought has been completely dominated. There isn't much shame in being unlucky victim number 10. 

Lyoto Machida would still be a very relevant former champion and there would still be plenty of compelling fights for him to take in the UFC.

A rematch with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson could finally put to rest all the controversy that followed their first encounter. 

Fights against top fighters like Dan Henderson, Phil Davis, Alexander Gustafsson or Forrest Griffin would also make a lot of sense and put a lot of butts in the seats.  

Lyoto Machida vs. Rashad Evans II is very compelling as well. As long as he keeps winning, Machida can continue with the UFC for years to come.

In the likely event that Jon Jones eventually moves up to heavyweight, Machida might be called on to fight for the vacant light heavyweight title.

If Chael Sonnen beats Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Title in 2012, Machida might consider moving down to 185 lbs to fight Sonnen for the title belt. Anderson Silva might struggle against high-level wrestlers, but Lyoto Machida absolutely thrives against them. Sonnen has already called Machida out, so it would kinda make sense.

There is even an outside chance that The Dragon could get one more shot at UFC gold in the immediate future. If Rashad Evans wins the title in 2012, then a rematch with the only man to ever beat him would be the best possible fight for Rashad's first title defense.

Lyoto Machida has the chance to shock the world and become champion again by beating Jon Jones tonight. He has everything to gain and almost nothing to lose.

At the end of the day, a loss to Jones still leaves plenty of possibilities open to Lyoto Machida. After UFC 140, the future and fate of The Dragon rests squarely in his own hands.

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis.