Is "Shogun" Rua Getting the First Crack at Lyoto Machida?
(Gotta love Dana White's newfound love of Twittering.)
Well, look who stopped by the UFC office yesterday, oddly right around the same time the UFC was putting together “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans as the coaches of TUF 10, thus leaving Lyoto Machida without a title challenger. Why, it's our old friend "Shogun" Rua. White said on today's conference call that Machida would not be waiting until after Jackson and Evans settle their black-on-black crime beef in order to make his first title defense, so could it be that “Shogun” has already been tapped to do a little Brazilian-on-Japanese/Brazilian violence?
I gotta say, if that’s the case it’s a huge mistake. Here we have Machida, who has already been crowned a dominant champ without even defending the title once, and they’re taking the obvious number one contender out of the running in order to drive up reality TV ratings while simultaneously making a very weak case for Rua.
The guy beat up an elderly, gassed Mark Coleman (barely) and an old, on-his-way-into-retirement Chuck Liddell (convincingly). Look at just about anybody’s rankings and you won’t see him any higher than the number five spot. This is the guy they want to get the first crack at the champ who no one is supposed to have a chance against?
Say for a moment it's not Rua. Say it's someone else. Who, apart from Jackson, would even be worth talking about?
The UFC is essentially fabricating a number one contender here for the sheer sake of convenience. In other words, they’re making the same mistake that boxing made over and over again -- a mistake that has helped drive that sport to the fringe of American consciousness. Even if they don’t put Rua against Machida first, virtually anyone they get would be a disappointment.
Look at the light heavyweight top ten. Now tell me who would be a legitimate challenger. Forrest Griffin is coming off a loss, plus he’s already booked. “Babalu” Sobral isn’t even top five, and he was ousted from the UFC for the stunt against David Heath. Keith Jardine is obviously not contender material at this point, nor is Brandon Vera. Luiz Cane barely squeaks into the top ten. Short of signing Fedor, the UFC has got nothing interesting to give to Machida.
But for the sake of TV they’re going to pretend someone has earned a shot when they haven’t, and in the process demean everything Machida had to go through -- being undefeated, waiting for several other people to get injured, etc. -- just to get his crack at the title. So much for the legitimacy of establishing a number one contender. So much for the UFC making decisions based on anything other than the pursuit of the quickest possible buck.
Is this what they meant by “The Machida Era?”
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Comments
Redmoose Says:
Mauricio Shogun!
Redmoose Says:
Rashad beat Chuck and they gave it to him too.
Lucidity Says:
Shogun isn't ready but I'll be the first to tell you that I'd put money on PRIDE 2005 Shogun over Machida anyday. PRIDE 2005 Shogun + Shogun with crazy head movement and footwork during the Chuck fight = The end of the Machida Era.
Redmoose Says:
I just wanna know why my comment: "say what????" was flagged as spam.
WUWU Says:
Everyone in the division is 2-1 or worse, with the exception of K-Sos, Luiz Cane, Ryan Bader, Jon Jones, and Jason Brilz. Rampage is 2-1 in his last three fights, with wins over Jardine and Wand, whoopee, his number one contender spot is just as fabricated as anyones. The Shogun match will be rad. Why are you complaining?
Whine Potato
Lysol Says:
If Forrest Griffin beats Spider Silva, then he has a damn strong case for a shot at the title.
mayhem Says:
Lyoto will win this... I dont have any faith that Shogun is back to 2005 Pride Shogun. His last fight went how long?... what a minute or 2 and everyone was hyping him up as being back to form... ok lets see him last more than 5 mins before we all jump and down.
DubVegas Says:
I rather see Shogun fight The Dragon more than Rampage right now. I feel a "prime" Shogun is much more well-rounded than Rampage. If Rua trains his ass off, the belt could be his....
Slicknesses Says:
Oh man, what if he shelves Machida till the end of the year show? Then he puts the belt on the line against Anderson Silva after he steamroles Forrest Griffin.
Darkside Says:
On the one hand, Shogun's sorry performance in the UFC so far does not in any way make him even remotely deserving of a title shot. Then again, it would be nice to see Shogun get completely demolished, so, whatever...
fftankr Says:
this is my take on this, its all DW strategy. (dana and joe siva stop reading this)
ok, Rampage is my fav fighter, and i honestly think he couldnt pull a W on Machida right now, based on how he looked in his fights w/ evans, t.silva, & ortiz. so Dana thinking what i think wont throw Ramp at Machida just yet, let Shogun try, cause if Shogun pulls it out of his ass, Ramp can definitely beat Shogun. get me? If not, then maybe then Machida era will weaken and Ramp will reign surpreme once again. atleast this i what Dana and i want.
Serpente Says:
Lol ok Ben, UFC is not making a mistake, Shogun should get the title shot on Pride credentials alone, Dan Henderson did against both champions (Rampage and Anderson) So why not Shogun? out of the whole LHW division he has the best shot to beat Machida. Anyone else is below with a 7-1 underdog ratio, Forrest Griffin will be fucking history after Anderson dance/rapes him, and Cane is not ready, Rampage is not going to beat him not with that boxing bullshit he is not. Shogun by far is the best next to Lyoto, Forrest was a fluke, Rashad is good but cannot hang with Top Competition.
This is what Lyoto Machida did to the LHW it made it weak, weaker than 185 or 170.
kupo Says:
An in-shape Rua WITHOUT A MOTHER FUCKING DOUBT, has the best chance, by far, against Lyoto. You guys are forgetting about the Rua that fucking ruined everyone in Pride. If he really is back to 100% (as the Chuck fight showed is very possible) I think he will give Machida one hell of a fight. I wouldn't put any money on his ass but you cannot tell me that there is anyone that has a better shot then Rua. Not even close.
House Party Says:
With machida at the top it seems like EVERY LHW isn't able/has the skills to step to up for the belt. I don't think it's unfair for shogun to have a title shot. Ramp didn't fight that impressively to really deserve one. He did win two of three but so has shogun so what's the deal CP?
dbiggles Says:
WAR RUA
He took forrest pretty much the disance with a blownout knee, he already demolished rampage, A healthy shogun is the best 205 without a doubt
HARJO Says:
I say even a 2005 Pride Shogun would have issues making contact with Machida. Rua is the man, but won't have much for him outside of some hard kicks.
Rampage/Rashad winner... Rampage would be a heavy bag for Machida, but a good paycheck for Rampage to buy a new truck. In a re-match, Rashad would be far more scared than their first match, knowing what is coming.
One Two Says:
people don't realize he had some serious injuries for the coleman fight, if hes in shape and healthy he'll kill the running karate boy.
One Two Says:
sign mousassi
DubVegas Says:
That's what I've been saying... sick match-up!
DubVegas Says:
Gegard Mousasi vs. The Karate Kid. Make it happen!!!!
831 Son Says:
This is fucking dumb. Whatever though, Lyoto will destroy Shogun.
NewDawnFades Says:
Very good points in this article. Evans was coming into the Griffin fight with an undefeated record and way more legitimacy than Rua. Plus there wasn't a clear number one contender when he did.
Now we all know the next matchup should be Rampage. If you are thinking Rua even remotely deserves a contender shot then you are smoking big crack. The current Rua is a shell, and no one is convinced by the Liddell fight. Rua clearly needs to fight a top contender before even lining up NEAR the championship fight.
It's bogus, and it is a boxing-esque move, meant in the worst way. They are more concerned with their reality show than they are with fair play and respect for their own champion. Handing Lyoto Rua instead of Rampage is just disrespect.
They are afraid that Page is going to be defeated, that's why we aren't going to see this fight. It lowers the short sighted payday they'll get with Evans/Page. It's a money grab and will bite the UFC if they continue to operate like this.
Remember when they continually dodged Lyoto and refused to give him the best competition? Well, nothing has apparently changed now that he's champion.
NukeBlast Says:
This ain't pride.
Shogun without enhancements don't stand a chance.
HereForTheBooze Says:
Going back to the shark tank anology for the LHW division:
Is it me or is Machida the proverbial "Shark with a laser beam" that regular sharks can't compete with?
Sure in a couple years, every shark will have laser beams and probably missiles, but right now any shark against a shark with lasers is just a minnow?
Douchey McDoucherton Says:
If Lesnar can get a title shot after drying humping Heath Herring, Shogun can get a shot for atleast finishing his last fight and semi-finishing a gassed 44 year old without any training (and money).
PurplePickle Says:
1. I still watch TUF, but I don't look forward to it like I used to. Messing with the matchups for the sake of a show that has lost most of it's appeal is getting fucking old.
2. Why does the UFC LHW division, heralded as the deepest not long ago, seem to be a bare cubbard now that it is time to match a contender for Machida? It should be Rampage next. Everyone else that matters is coming off of a loss, or a loss to Machida himself. (tell me who I am missing)
3. If not Rampage, Rua is the only one with name recognition (to commited MMA fans) that has two wins back to back and the pedigree for contention.
4. If Evans beats Rampage, then the opportunity for a Jackson/Machida fight is squashed. Of any, I think this fight would bring more buys, it is the most interesting, and few can hype fights like Quinton.
HAL_13 Says:
I DON'T THINK THAT RUA HAS DONE ANYTHING TO DESREVE A FIGHT WITH MACHIDA AS LONG AS HE IS THE CHAMPION. RUA HAS NOT IMPRESSED ME AT ALL IN THE UFC. YEAH HE BEAT CHUCK BUT HELL EVERYONE THAT CHUCK HAS FOUGHT LATELY HAS BEEN BEATING HIM. I JUST THINK ITS A STUPID FIGHT BUT YET AT THE SAME TIME IT MAY JUST BE A GENIUS PLAN BY DANA TO HELP BUILD MACHIDA UP THAT MUCH MORE AS A CHAMPION. YA NEVER KNOW THOUGH, RUA MAY JUST BEAT THE FUCK OUT OF MACHIDA. IS IT EVEN ON PAPER YET. IF NOT THEN LETS TRY NOT TO GET ALL CARRIED AWAY FOR NOTHING. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE THAT FIGHT RATHER RUA IS DESERVING OF IT OR NOT.
Cathedron Says:
Oh god... I know they gotta whore themselves for TUF because it's so awesome for the sport and doesn't shit all over it at all, but this is just fucked. Rua's going to die before he can get back in shape. Not that he could beat Machida even at his best, just that Rua would actually survive if he were in shape.
Well, hopefully Rich Franklin will get a few wins under his belt and get a title shot. That could be a good fight... and then he'd have to go up to heavy weight or something.
limitbreakerx Says:
2 words: Anderson Silva
Kim Couture is ... Says:
Kupa had it right. Shogun in top form has a great chance. If you watch the Chuck fight again you will notice right away Shogun's footwork was resembling his devastating run in PRIDE. I'd love to see it. I'd rather see Shogun get another tune up but hey this is the UFC, they care about no ones well being. And your right there is no one else. War Shogun.
Kim Couture is ... Says:
Anderson will never EVER fight Lyoto, he has said this time and time again. Forget about it.
ithertz Says:
i love how almost everyone grabs onto the nuts of the new champ. i'll give machida more respect when he actually DEFENDS the belt. let's see how hungry he stays...
Walrus Says:
Forrest would have the best chance of beating Machida out of any other Light-Heavy Weight.
AussieJosh Says:
Sorry Ben,
Im with a lot of other people on this! Shogun is the man for the Job! They where also my thoughts as soon as Machy won the Belt!
When would Rampage start and finish TUF filming anyway????/
Great i guess this means the next Tuf will be full of boxers and wrestlers if Evans and Rampage are coach!
Id like to see Dana pay for Anderson and Michy to get ENGLISH classes then they could do a season as TUF coaches! now that would be Awsome!
If Michy keeps the belt or even if shogun gets it! id like to see it defended 2 more times this year! in about three months from now......so maybe UFC 102 and then in the last UfC of the year along with the Heavy weight belt at the end of the year!
averagejoe Says:
Agree with the majority. Shogun is a great choice.
1. Rampage is a slower Evans with better (but slower) boxing and footwork. Good luck landing that predictable hook on the phantom menace (oooh, that's a good nickname) when your left leg is destroyed by the second round.
2. Even if you consider capable, Forrest is tied up.
3. And then there is none.
Shogun is widely considered the only striker skilled enough to engage with Machida. He's versatile, creative, explosive, and a Muay Thai master since he was 22. Plus he's got sick BJJ.
And I agree with the dudes who want Mousasi. Mousasi v. Machida?!? Sweet jesus.
Shady086 Says:
Anyone remember UFC 96 when Evans got in Ramage's face? After that incident, i'd think that he rather comit some "black on black crime" before going after the belt anyway. And we get a season of TUF with more shit talking and bad blood than we've yet to see on the series, which should make for some interesting television. No one's pretending that Shogun is the top contender in the LHW division, he's simply the best of who's available.
Meohfumado Says:
Doesn't matter what the UFC tried to set up, Rampage said he wouldn't fight Machida because he wants to fight Rashad. Rashad pissed him off, and he's been thinking about beating his @$$ for months now.
This is probably best for everybody involved.
I know I wanna see Rashad vs Rampage. Shogun vs Machida seems less impressive due to Shogun's recent form, but could be a great fight if Shogun recaptures some of that past glory.
HAL_13 Says:
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RUA/MACHIDA TOPIC BUT I FOUND IT ON YAHOO, AND IT CAME FROM A QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION WITH FRANK MIR, AND MIKE GOLDBERG FROM LAST FRIDAY AT THE MGM GRAND CASINO, AND I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE. IT A PERFECT, AND I MEAN PERRRRRFECT WAY TO SUM UP THIS WHOLE FEDOR BEING THE GREATEST FIGHTER EVER BULLSHIT. SO HERE IT GOES FOLKS. READ IT AND WHEEP. “If you win an Arena Football League title, it’s a ring and you’re a great athlete and you deserve it,” Goldberg said. “If you were in the XFL and you won in the XFL with those uniforms, you are still a champion. If you won in the USFL – Doug Flutie and the boys, Herschel Walker – you were a USFL champion. But at the end of the day, all those players wish they had a Super Bowl ring and that they won in the NFL. And that equates to what Frank’s talking about.” I'VE SAID IT BEFORE, AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN. THAT FUCKING FEDOR IS AFRAID OF THE UFC HEAVYWEIGHTS BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT HE WILL GET HIS ASS HANDED TO HIM WITHIN HIS FIRST 2 TO 3 FIGHTS. IF EVEN THAT MANY. MANY PRAISES, AND HIGH FIVES TO MIR, AND GOLDBERG FOR THERE GENIUS WAY OF EXPLAINING WHAT A FUCKING CHICKEN SHIT COWARD THAT FEDOR REALLY IS. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW EVERYONE STICKS UP FOR FEDOR NOW IF ANYONE HAS ANYTHING LEFT TO SAY AFTER THIS. MY NAME IS HAL, AND I HAVE SPOKEN. ALONG WITH THE HELP OF MIR, AND GOLDBERG.
Wrldchmpnabrvtr Says:
Rampage asked for Rashad to oppose him on The Ultimate Fighter. He decided not to make his title shot bed, and now Shogun gets to sleep in it.
Soda Popinski Says:
hal 13. your comment is one that i would love to pass by and ignore strictly based on its level of ignorance, but my self control aint that sharp.
i could go in depth, but ill keep it simple for your sake.
frank mir is an ego freak who uses words to extend the length of the tic tac swinging between his thighs.
dude, do you for real think he'd beat fedor. please, please understand the dominance that is rolled up into fedor's record. lindland/hunt/coleman/crocop/arlovski/randleman/nog- you have to understand that as comical as these names might look to you now, fedor fought these dudes in their prime and beat them, rarely experiencing a moment of trouble in the fight. i didnt throw sylvia's name in the mix, cause ive never seen him as all that skilled. that said, you saw what fedor does with "weak" competition.
the last thing i want to seem like is a punk that would never say any of this to your face. im not down with being a jerk and hateful to anybody, but i just feel the need to give a 2nd voice to the matter. i love the ufc, but the heavyweight division is weak and not to say that affliction is a heavyweight powerhouse, but you have to understand that fedor up until this point in his career is fighting the best heavyweights around, and again, beating them with little effort. that is dominance hal 13, a dominance frank mir wants nothing to do with, believe me.
Swimming with Idiots Says:
Wah! Dana isn't putting the fight that we want together....WAAAAAHH!
Save it.
Are you just realizing now that Dana makes the rules? Is it really a big shock he is looking at it from a Marketing/Money perspective? Come on Dudes.
That fact aside...what's the rush? If we can see Shogun fight "The Era" soon and THEN see him fight the winner of Jackson and Evans...does the order really matter that much?
Rankings Smankings...They are all different, they are all based on opinions and they have all been proven very weak in the past.
Less bitching please.
Goog Says:
I'm going to take Machida in one hand and Rua in the other and smash them both. But then I'm going to pick Machida up and give him a hug because he entertains me. Rua, I'm just going to throw out beside a dumpster on my way to the afterparty with Machida. And HAL... like it or not... I'M going to wear his belt. It'd be for the wrong weight class, but Brock won't answer his phone for me to smash him as well, so I'll settle for now. I'm probably going to carry Rashad Evans around, too, and use him as a stick to scrape the shit off my shoe should I happen to step on Rampage when I cut through the sewage plant and trip over him while he's teaching his kids to fish.
tysonmcneely Says:
Here's the gist of your article:
Shogun doesn't deserve the title shot.
Shogun is the best candidate for a title shot @ 205 (besides rampage).
...
No solution.
karate is back Says:
shogun should at least fight a contender before he gets a shot. beating old man Coleman and iced man Liddell doesn't prove anything.
....therefore there is no one deserves a title shot (other than Rampage who was supposed to get his shot). i sense something like Leites vs. Silva coming up.
just some dong Says:
So what would you rather see, CP? Machida take the rest of the year off while we await the outcomes of other fights until someone in your eyes is at last deemed the #1 contender? Yeah... that's be a spectacular waste of talent. I want to see Machida fight again this year, and so does everyone else. And since NO ONE who currently stands in the 205 division has any hope of beating The Dragon, they might as well put anyone in there. They wanted Rampage, but he wussed out, and now Shogun seems like the next best pick. Fans will pay to see it, so where's the controversy?
"I was already thinking about a fight with Rashad, so I can't fight someone else" ...fucking weakest excuse ever not to take a fight FOR THE UFC BELT!!
And why should 'Page be considered so much better than Rua anyway? Look at their most recent fights... Jackson eeks out a non-impressive decision win over Jardine, while Rua just KO'd Liddell in the 1st. I know Chuckers isn't the same fighter he used to be - not even close - but still, wouldn't you say that win puts Rua on fairly even ground with Jackson?
The only other guy at 205 who would deserve a shot would be Forrest, and regardless of the fact that he's already got a big fight lined up, I don't even think he'd want it. Forrest is a fighter, not a driven champion, and he's as much as admitted that. Owning the belt means nothing to him except more headaches.
CanadianGreaser Says:
Shogun did not look impressive against Liddell. Chuck looked terribly slow and off in that fight.
Prime Chuck would murder Rua. Rua without roids sucks.
CanadianGreaser Says:
I hope he fights Rampage so he can get KOed.
DubVegas Says:
is it me or did DW not seem too happy putting the belt around Lyoto? Anyone else notice Dana's somber look? He barely smiled when he congratulated him...
just some dong Says:
@ CanadianGreaser
Yet 'Page looked brilliant against Jardine, right? Oh wait I forgot, no one bought that PPV.
Aenarion Says:
I'd be a lot happier to see Machida/Hua than Machida/Jackson.