MACHIDA A HUGE THREAT TO CHRIS WEIDMAN?
Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida
Los Angeles, CA– In the main event of UFC Fight Night 36 from Brazil last week, Brazilian middleweight (185 lb.) contender Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (21-4, 13-4 UFC) likely secured his spot for the next shot at the belt with a convincing win over the very talented Gegard Mousasi (34-4-2, 1-1 UFC). Mousasi was game throughout but simply fought a better man.
“THE DRAGON” WAS BREATHING FIRE!
Machida showcased his full mixed martial arts arsenal, landing kicks, punches, elbows, takedowns, and getting the former Strikeforce champion in some very compromising situations on the ground. Overall, this was a very impressive performance form Machida, in what was deservedly the fight of the night. It was a tactical battle that answered all questions about Lyoto’s legitimacy as a middleweight contender. He is here to give champion Chris Weidman (11-0, 7-0 UFC) a serious run for his money.
SEMI MAIN EVENT WAS A SNOOZER!
In the co-main event, fellow Brazilian middleweight Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (20-3-0-1, 3-0 UFC) got the decision nod over Francis Carmont (22-8, 6-1 UFC) in a fairly mediocre fight. Carmont exposed some serious holes in Souza’s striking game that have me thinking he does not beat the best of the best. I expected Carmont to be the one pushing for grappling, but he was the one engaging on the feet while Souza was concerned with taking the fight to the ground.
THE FOX SPORTS 1 UNDERCARD RESULTS
Welterweight (170) Erick Silva (16-4-0-1, 4-3 UFC) ruined Takenori Sato’s (17-9-7, 0-1 UFC) UFC debut by destroying him in just 52 seconds. It was a nice explosive return to the octagon for Silva, who was coming off a second-round KO loss at the hands of Dong Hyung “Stun Gun” Kim (18-2-1-1, 9-2-0-1 UFC). Charles Oliveira (17-4-0-1, 5-4-0-1 UFC) did what he supposed to and submitted Andy Ogle (9-4, 1-3 UFC) in the third round of their featherweight (145) bout with a triangle choke. All in all, a pretty decent card, although the Brazilians were matched pretty soft with the exception of Machida. I can only assume this was done to prevent riots from occurring. I love you, Brazil, but you guys are PASSIONATE with a capital “P.”
Zak Young