Interview With Lyoto Machida (Translated From Portugese)

[grambino]

I wasn't so sure he'd get an opportunity as soon as he deserved, but after hearing about his interactions with Dana leading up to the fight and afterwards I feel like he will get the shot he deserves. He may not be a Silva type personality who people gravitate to, but he's clearly a guy who would win over fans if he held the belt for a while. Even casual fans would start to appreciate what he brings in time. Nog isn't exciting or a talker and he's beloved. It takes a while for guys to earn a reputation. Fedor hasn't smiled in 9 years but his fighting has had people smiling or a while. Machida would be no different if he dominated for a while. He's very likeable and an easy guy to root for and that should take him far.

[cpac77]

Originally Posted by MYboyBISPING

Omg I was there live for that fight and damn I got a lot of shit for cheering for Lyoto, Tito sucks anyways but War Machida.

Me too man, I was there yelling FINISH HIM FINISH HIM when Machida had Tito hurt, the people around me didn't like me much after that.

I don't care though, I appreciate Machida's patience, intelligence, and pinpoint accuracy. I think he would frustrate Rampage to all hell, but I also think Rampage will land a big enough shot or two which puts Machida to sleep.

I also have a huge amount of respect for Lytot after he said that he knows he isn't the most marketable guy so on and so forth. It seems he keeps a very level head and is always aware of others' perceptions. He is so respectful to everyone, how could you not like the guy?

[ILJO]

haha thats funny that Dana told him he almost vomitted when Tito got Machida in that triangle.

I think it was kind of dumb of Dana to go into Machida's locker room before the fight and tell him that he's cheering for him and shit. That puts so much pressure on a fighter

I would love to see Machida fight for the title. I would be cheering for him but a fight against rampage would most definetly be his toughest test. Especially because anything Tito can do, Rampage does better, and he actually has good striking skills.

[Jardinewinstko]

hope we see this fight nye? or atleast this year!

[bigsemi]

Lyoto seems to be deceptively strong. He handled Soku, who is a beast, and in the clinch he threw tito around the ring. He is definitely more technical than Chuck, and I think that will give Rampage problems, not to mention, I think he would be better on the ground. I think the Dragon would eek out a 5 round decision. Page won't be able to land that big shot with how well Lyoto moves. The fight would be a classic contrast of styles, Rampage coming in, and Machida moving in and out picking his shots.

War Machida!

[cpac77]

Originally Posted by ILJO

haha thats funny that Dana told him he almost vomitted when Tito got Machida in that triangle.

I think it was kind of dumb of Dana to go into Machida's locker room before the fight and tell him that he's cheering for him and shit. That puts so much pressure on a fighter

I would love to see Machida fight for the title. I would be cheering for him but a fight against rampage would most definetly be his toughest test. Especially because anything Tito can do, Rampage does better, and he actually has good striking skills.

Yes but you know what? The fact that Machida performed the way he did after having that additional pressure put on him, and also being very sick (I think he said he was at a 103 temp or so during the fight) just goes to show you that this guy is on another level. Who cares if you need to have his title fights alongside another co-main event? Machida is in my mind the #1 contender for the winner of Rampage/Griffin.
But after Chuck destroys Rashad... and Wanderlei destroys Thiago... the top of the 205 gets a little cloudy.

[jhell]

Originally Posted by thecoylewis

I like Machida and think he is unquestionably the number one contender.

But, I think Rampage could succeed where Tito didn't, in the clinch, and with takedowns. It will be interesting to see. I just think Rampage is stronger and hungrier than Tito was in that fight. Hopefully, if Rampage wins, we'll get this one in October, November.

I really think that about sums it up

[POINDEXTER]

I agree that Rampage should be heavily favored. The thing is, I think Machida is one of the smartest fighters I've ever seen and he matches it with technical proficiency. He hasn't taken the types of risks that I would like to see and he definitely doesn't seem to have the power of a Liddell or Wandy, but he just seems to be getting better and better and he tends to match his opponents in a way that invalidates their strengths. I'm totally excited to see the match ups in the division, to be honest.

[#1taz]

Lyoto is a very inteligent technical fighter that exploits his opponents ' weaknesses well...and it seems that none of this success has gone to his head and he is still remaining humble and appreciative of the opportunities that has come his way in the UFC. And I have to give him a lot of respect for coming into a fight with a lot of pressure on him and not being 100% healthy, but yet still pulling off a win over a guy like Tito.

But aganst a guy like Rampage - I just don't know. Rampage is a very experienced and technically sound fighter that always prepares for fighting his opponents well too - and he is a beast in the octagon. I'm sure it will be one hell of a fight - but for me it's a bit too tough to call it either way. IMHO I don't think Machida is quite ready for this fight yet, but I do feel strongly that eventually he will be the UFC champion as long as he stays injury free.

And I LMAO @ Dana saying he nearly blew chunks when Tito had Machida in that triangle. If Tito had submitted Machida then to win that fight and Dana had puked all over himself, I'd have paid big $$ just to see that...lol