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UFC 104 – Rua Looking Solid Against Machida Despite Loss

UFC 104 - Machida taking a punch from Rua

In a spectacular and no doubt impressive loss, Mauricio Rua knocked Lyoto Machida around and in to uncharted waters last Saturday night at UFC 104.  Rua put on quite a show, pushing Machida around and nearly snatching the crown from the king.

There has always been talk of Machida and his “elusiveness,” speed, and agility, but Rua dug in hard and was able to spot slight weaknesses and exploit them. Yes, after it came down to decision and the remarkable show put on by Rua wasn’t convincing enough for the judges to give him the win; there is something to be said about his performance. Mauricio Rua muscled around and hurt Machida. Frustration and confusion were very apparent in Lyoto Machida through a solid bit of time through the championship rounds.

If I’m honest the judges decision might not have been the right one in my eyes, but obviously I don’t make or judge the rules. However Dana White who does have some sway thought the decision was off too. Right after the fight, White was immediately talking about a rematch. In the post-fight press conference Dana White told the media that both fighters had already made verbal agreements to give it another go.

Rua can only hope that this wasn’t his last chance at victory though. Machida no doubt was shaken up by this fight and wont be able to help but learn from it. He felt what it was liked to get pushed, and knocked around. Something that he hasn’t had a whole lot of in his career. This is only going to make him a stronger fighter. There will also now be some history between the two fighters, Machida will have learned much about Rua’s techniques. Though if Rua can put together another rock solid strategy the next time they face off, who knows what might happen.

[Source: Spike]