UFC 113 is titled Machida vs Shogun 2. This title is appropriate, but “Resolution” may be even more appropriate. All main event fights have some serious questions, so instead of taking away the names of the fighters, they will work out a question for each of the main fights.
Will Lyoto Machida redeem himself?
Prior to his controversial victory over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua last October, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida had never lost a single round in the UFC. After being in controversy (and some would say underwhelming) last season, the onus will be on Machida to prove he is legitimate at 205 pounds and once again solidify his status as one of the sport’s bantamweights. fighters
Many say Machida is the one who needs to show something different for this fight. While we agree with this, I doubt Machida will show major changes. Frankly, it has style, and it defies style. Don’t expect him to suddenly start a fight as a wrestler.
As for the Shogun, he believes (as is likely) that he has won the last battle. So there is no reason to change his style. And frankly, it probably can’t. Shogun Machida could not come down. If he shows more aggression, this plays right into Machida’s strength. The final season showed the methodical and cautious style of the Shogun. So Machida stayed in the lap and kept kicks to the worst leg. This will probably be a project that he looks to implement again.
So where does this leave us? If none of these things change, then we’ll end up with another round of five. And that time the judges will probably give the Shogun. So is the fight to be played? Nor
While I doubt Machida will make major changes, I think a little more offense is expected. He will likely be looking to hit Shogun first, before Shogun lets go of the leg kicks. One thing I noticed about Machida in his past fight against Tito Ortiz was that Machida was looking for more leg kicks early on. Machida is able to strike the port without putting himself in major danger. That will often look against the Shogun.
Ultimately, this battle will come down to the first game plan. I think Shogun is finally getting impatient, especially because of the decision the way he went last time. If Machida enters and strikes the ground first, Shogun will feel a greater need to finish the fight. I expect him to make a mistake against Machida too, and Machida will succeed in opening up.
Machida by TKO in 3^.
Who will be the next challenger to George St. Pierre?
As I wrote before, it should be Jake Shields. But Paul Daley and Josh Koscheck will get first dibs on the opportunity to take GSP’s welterweight crown. Koscheck was in the Octagon with two strikers before – Thiago Alves and Antonio Johnson. Kos Alves lost and Johnson submitted. I expect this fight to be more like the Koscheck vs. Johnson fight. While Koscheck has at times shown a reckless desire to abandon wrestling and engage in a boxing match, he should have had better sense than to do so against Daley. Koscheck wants to shoot for the championship, and he’s going to do what it takes to beat Daley. If Kos chooses to settle down with Daley, his night will soon be over. But I expect him to be smart and relentless when it comes to going for punches and seeing the fight on the ground. Paul Daley’s defense has nothing to do with Koscheck.
Koscheck from the opinion.
Will Kimbo finally win in the UFC?
No, I don’t think the weird catchweight game against Houston Alexander is going to win. Kimbo Verre is serious. If you can’t do 205, you’re going to struggle with a heavy weight. Don’t you see Cain Velasquez asking for catchweight fights?
Kimbo confuses me. Seth Petruzelli was shaken up, but he showed enough strength then against Roy Nelson that Nelson looked to take the fight to the ground. I was hoping for some answers against Houston, but Alexander was too busy doing a Kalib Starnes impersonation for Kimbo to fight. Now what then?
What do we know about Mitrione Matt? We know that Rashad Evans liked to call him a “meathead” and that he was walking around with a half stoned stupor during the last episode of The Fighter Show. We also know that he is a strong former NFL player with heavy hands. If Petruzelli can take down Kimbo, I can guarantee you Mitrione will put the lights out on Kimbo if he touches that beard.
Considering the improvements he has shown in wrestling and wrestling, Kimbo should take advantage. this fight to the ground. But bless him, Kimbo is a litigator. He hastens to quarrel with Mitrione. I look forward to his chance. Mitrione will use his superior and his power to hit Kimbo before Kimbo hits him. After that happens, we’re sure.
Mitrione by KO in 1
