Lyoto Machida: The Dragon Is Headed Out Of The UFC

Many fighters in the UFC would be very happy with a 16-2 record. But with one or two more losses in a row, Dana White will not renew Machida’s contract in the light heavyweight division with the UFC. Machida is known for his unorthodox stance and for being the least hit fighter in UFC history based on his excellent defense. Machida often chooses to wait for opponent’s to make mistakes before he attacks.

Dana White’s Doghouse
Dana White initially had been very supportive of Machida when he was 16-0. However, White has quickly changed his stance because Machida has lost two fights in a row. Machida lost to Mauricio Shogun Rua at UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec. Machida then lost to Quinton Rampage Jackson at UFC 123 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As the losses quickly add up coupled with Machida’s inability to knock out opponents, White is going to find it difficult to market Machida. Machida does not have an engaging personality and is no longer a headliner.

MMA scoring for judges is already difficult, but it is very difficult to judge scoring in a Machida fight. Machida often is not very aggressive, yet blocks a lot of punches. This can lead to controversy. In the fight against Rampage Jackson, Jackson appeared to be the more active fighter. Yet, technically Machida may have landed better strikes than Rampage over the course of the fight. Randy Couture thought Machida won the fight. Dana White thought Jackson won the fight. It was difficult to tell.

Dana White knows as the president if he can not tell who won the fight, the fans will not be able to tell who won the fight. The UFC does not want consistent controversial decisions because fans want to know who the winner and loser of each fight is. Machida is rapidly losing fans and it will be difficult to get out of White’s doghouse.

The Future
Fighters who open up in the UFC, get opened up. Machida must come out of his unorthodox stance more during matches in an effort to win fights. Machida will either be knocked out or he will begin finishing opponents. If he chooses to stay in an unorthodox stance Machida only has one fight left of fan interest. Fans want to see someone beat middleweight champion Anderson Silva. It is widely speculated that Machida could cut weight and give Silva a very competitive fight because his stance and style matchup well against Silva. Machida and Silva are friends and training partners who currently do not want to fight. However, Machida and Silva could the second coming of the Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz battle which fans seem to love. Machida should consider fighting Silva. If he chooses to stay in an unorthodox stance his days in the light heavyweight division are numbered with the UFC.