Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

[Don Corleone]

With Machida's KO win over Evans, this now opens up the opportunity for Machida to go ahead and face Jackson, who was originally supposed to face Evans for the title after Jackson's decision win over Jardine.

Some are predicting Lyoto to be an unstoppable fighter within the Light Heavyweight division with his perfect 15-0 record and with every round won in the UFC. It seemed Machida's elusiveness and unorthodox punching style proved to be the determining factor of the fight coupled with the fact that there was little to no response from Evans. I was surely going for Evans and I knew that the way to win would be to get by Machida's defense which he ultimately couldn't do.

With Jackson now in the picture, this will be Lyoto Machida's first title defense. Jackson is a wrestler and has tremendous power in both of his hands. His only recent loss was against Griffin in a close decision bout which ultimately lost him the title. So what do you guys think will happen in this bout? Can Jackson manage to get by Machida's elusive style and unorthodoxy or will Machida's style prove to be too much for Jackson to handle? If you don't think Jackson can stop Machida then who do you predict can?

Keep in mind that Lyoto just won so I expect there to be bias that swings in his favour but try and keep out any bias as much as possible.

[D-MiZe]

I've always been behind Machida.

He's patient, doesn't get frustrated and very disciplined. People underestimated Karate a lot. A great karateka can use the opponent's offensive skills against them.

When fighting Machida, reach doesn't really matter. Because he's going to be using his legs most of the time to hurt the opponent.

Was annoying me that in the first round I heard a few boos because both fighters were just feeling each other out.

The only fights that I bother watching are Machida's fights.

[Don Corleone]

I hate when the crowd boo's simply when the fighters are just getting a feel for the fight. To be honest, for big fights like this it's hard to get bored even if the fighters aren't doing much. I mean sure everyone wants to see some fighting action but too much MMA fans overlook the technical aspect and just expect a KO. Only a casual MMA fan who doesn't know squat about the technical aspect of the sport will constantly boo or find it extremely painful to watch.

[StillUnknown]

rampage has great defense for punches, but his leg kick defense is horrible. he refuses to check them for some reason, i think Machida would pick apart his legs and finish him in the 2nd or 3rd round

Page would be wise to test Machida's takedown defense. i just don't see having much of a chance if it stays standing

[Don Corleone]

rampage has great defense for punches, but his leg kick defense is horrible. he refuses to check them for some reason, i think Machida would pick apart his legs and finish him in the 2nd or 3rd round

Page would be wise to test Machida's takedown defense. i just don't see having much of a chance if it stays standing

Good points but Jackson advantage I would say is in the stand-up. Even if Machida looks to take it to the ground, Jackson has superb take-down defense and awesome take-down ability. Not to mention that he's an overall excellent wrestler and with a lot of power. But as was said, his major flaw is his lack of action in terms of his leg kicks defense. Jackson doesn't use his legs much and that's disappointing.

[We want Floyd]

Unless Rampage has worked on his stand-up defense, he's gonna get kicked to death from Mississippi to Osaka. He couldn't deal with a basic kicker in Griffin, he's gonna have a bigger problem with Machida who gives angles and has quicker feet than Griffin.

[StillUnknown]

Good points but Jackson advantage I would say is in the stand-up. Even if Machida looks to take it to the ground, Jackson has superb take-down defense and awesome take-down ability. Not to mention that he's an overall excellent wrestler and with a lot of power. But as was said, his major flaw is his lack of action in terms of his leg kicks defense. Jackson doesn't use his legs much and that's disappointing.

i don't think Machida will ever be in range for Rampage to land his power punches. that karate stance with the head leaned back a little allows him to see them shots coming and avoid them.

Rampage could possibly land that one shot and end the fight, but i don't see it happening.

[We want Floyd]

Good points but Jackson advantage I would say is in the stand-up. Even if Machida looks to take it to the ground, Jackson has superb take-down defense and awesome take-down ability. Not to mention that he's an overall excellent wrestler and with a lot of power. But as was said, his major flaw is his lack of action in terms of his leg kicks defense. Jackson doesn't use his legs much and that's disappointing.

How can you say Jackson has the advantage in the stand-up. I'll take a good kicker over a good puncher any day of the week.

Rampage is $$$ with his left hook and Machida has a nasty habit of leaning back and if Q times it right, Lyoto could end up like Chuck.

[Don Corleone]

How can you say Jackson has the advantage in the stand-up. I'll take a good kicker over a good puncher any day of the week.

Rampage is $$$ with his left hook and Machida has a nasty habit of leaning back and if Q times it right, Lyoto could end up like Chuck.

You misunderstood the statement. What I meant was in comparison to stand-up or ground game, Jackson's stand-up is better. I wasn't comparing Machida's stand-up to Jackson's stand-up although an argument can be made since the fight would most likely stay standing.

Also, your comment about taking a good kicker over a good puncher is odd. Kicks are much more risky and need to be well timed and accurate so they don't get countered which is why they don't land as much. It's also the reason why they're not used as much as punches. I guess I understand what you're saying but overall, I don't think I would agree with your statement.

[JoeKickAss]

Rampage is an easier fight than Evans.

Bring on Shogun, that's the fight I want to see.