| | Machida vs. Shogun - Previous Entry
I finally got to watch this match yesterday, having forbidden myself from reading any news on the match until I got back from Asia. After watching it, I must admit that I was both a tiny bit disappointed, for I personally thought Shogun had taken the victory and thus disagreed with the judges' decision. On the other hand, it was a brilliant fight; probably one of the most technically impressive striking matches I've seen in the UFC, ever. Both fighters performed to their potential, and it was pyrotechnic. They both displayed excellent intelligence, and executed the strategies well.
While I, and it appears most sites, seem to give the nod to Shogun, looking at the match from UFC judging criteria, I could see it going to Machida. That said, in an extended fight, Shogun's strategy should have eventually resulted in defeat for Machida, as in rounds 6-10. The beating that Machida's legs were taking is nothing to sneeze at.
Honestly, Shogun performed far better than I had expected. I had not expected him to return to the form we remember from the Pride middleweight GP fight form. That is, his conditioning and physical prowess. The intelligence and strategy that he now employs is superior to what he had before. Both Machida and Shogun are impressively formidable. Neither destroyed the other, and neither embarrassed themselves.
I can't wait to see either of their next fights. A rematch would be nice, but I think that it was brilliantly fought, and near even, with the advantage to Shogun.
This was TMA at its best.
(Pro's Picks from Sherdog prior to the fight...)
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| | Posted 11/4/2009 2:18 PM - 29 Views - 6 eProps - 5 comments
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