UFC 104: Machida vs. Rua...elite athletes rumble
UFC 104 is not the most impressive card that they've ever presented. I would call it a 'B' at best...certainly not A-level. But the main event has a great deal of intrigue and represents continued progress.
Machida vs. Rua has the makings of an All-Brazilian slug fest. My interest in Machida is growing with his level of aggression. His first fights in the UFC showed a high level of technical skill but not a great deal of raw energy... typical of counter punchers. But his last few fights have been both exciting and convincing.
Shogun Rua, when healthy and focused, has always been a wrecking machine. His past career in Pride is best described as amazing.
The thing that I most appreciate about these 2 fighters is that they are promoting technique and athleticism and moving away from the old school bad boy MMA image.
There was once a place and time for brawlers and maulers like Butterbean and Tank Abbott. Amazing physical specimen's like Congo and Sokodju also made for good theater but ultimately their lack of skills were their undoing.
If MMA wants to join the ranks of the elite major sports, the fighters must show the world that they are truly dedicated, elite, professional athletes worthy of superstar status...not just well tattooed bad asses.
Machida vs. Rua has the makings of an All-Brazilian slug fest. My interest in Machida is growing with his level of aggression. His first fights in the UFC showed a high level of technical skill but not a great deal of raw energy... typical of counter punchers. But his last few fights have been both exciting and convincing.
Shogun Rua, when healthy and focused, has always been a wrecking machine. His past career in Pride is best described as amazing.
The thing that I most appreciate about these 2 fighters is that they are promoting technique and athleticism and moving away from the old school bad boy MMA image.
There was once a place and time for brawlers and maulers like Butterbean and Tank Abbott. Amazing physical specimen's like Congo and Sokodju also made for good theater but ultimately their lack of skills were their undoing.
If MMA wants to join the ranks of the elite major sports, the fighters must show the world that they are truly dedicated, elite, professional athletes worthy of superstar status...not just well tattooed bad asses.
I read an interesting question posed on MMA MANIA (w/o a reply) following the UFC-104 event involving Lyoto Machida vs Mauricio Shogun and thought it merited a qualified response from someone of your expertise. As we know Showgun was extremely successful with his stunning kicks to Lyoto Machida’s legs throughout the fight. So much so… that Machida even had difficulty walking after the fight. The question surrounds Mochida’s corner putting large ice packs on his legs between rounds.
I think it may have reduced swelling, but would Machida’s leg muscles have been better off DURING the fight by staying warm?
As always, I thoroughly enjoy your articles, and having been a fan of both boxing and mma for over 50 years, may I conclude by saying …I think you’re the best!
Keep up the good work.
A loyal fan from Toronto, Canada
Reply to this