Do you think Machida could be Anderson's successor at 185?

Wasnt the reason Silva never campaigned at 205 because Machida was champ/contender at the time and didn't want to compete with him? Machida may well have similar reasons for campaigning at 205 instead of dropping to 185. We don't know but if he could make 185 comfortably he'd be an absolute beast in what I regard as one of the weakest divisions.

 

If this happens, Rashad would probably ask Rumble how he made 170.

 

Aside from Anderson, I'm struggling to think of anyone I would favor over him at 185.

 

Off topic, don't you think Machida-Okami would make publicity?

A true Japanese against a Psuedo Brazilian that is by blood truly Japanese.

I'm kidding and serious at the same time. I can't think of anyway they can market this fight.

 

If that fight ever happened, there would be less than ten combined strikes thrown. Even if it went the distance.

 

In short yes

 

Lyoto is not fully japanese by blood, I´m almost sure.....

 

I believe you are correct mate, his mother is Brazilian if I'm not mistaken.

 

He could be. 4 pound is significant number under the weight limit.

 

It'd be a sin for a Machida fan like myself to assume he can longer win a title at 205 (especially IF Hendo pulls off an epic upset). Machida's win over Bader was impressive. If anyone deserves a rematch with Bones it's Machida. Obviously JJ would be the favorite to win but a fully confident Machida with a smart game plan can pull off a win. He can actually acquire the best sparring partner one can find which would be Anderson.

 

Which is why the topic title has the word "successor" in i.e. Machida drops down after Silva retires

I am baffled at this continued myth that middleweight is weak. I mean its a far deeper division than light heavyweight or heavyweight, has more variety than welterweight and the three lighter weight classes have not been properly established yet. This is not 2005 when the division had only just been revived and people should stop repeating glib statements that they read years ago and instead actually genuinely evaluate the talent contained in the division.

 

Yeah I understand I was more making a point about whether he could make 185 and maybe the reason he hadn't dropped down is the same reason silva didn't go up after the forrest fight.

I disagree about Light Heavy being weaker as there are some actual top talents there(JJ, Hendo, Rua, Machida). Aside from Silva there is no one at MW who really impresses me and a guy like Sonnen can achieve a position as a top contender. For the record this is the only place I get my MMA information and only became a semi serious fan over the last year or so. So whether right or wrong (which you clearly think it is) it is my own opinion not some repeated phrases.