i had this closely, but clearly for shogun, but i still acknowledge the calibre of fighter machida is. i personally thought, that machida would blast through shogun, based on his less then convincing performances in the octagon. But shoguns awkwardness and willigness to to trade really troubled machida. this has the potential for an excellent rivalry and im certainly looking for to the rematch.
Actually, the very three that Pharaoh gave to Machida are the ones I feel are indisputably Shogun's. I've stated my reasons for scoring the first round. Both had moments but it really isn't close if you score the round minute by minute (first two to Lyoto, and then Mauricio won the last 90 seconds equally as convincingly). Limiting Rua's effectiveness in the last two rounds by refusing to engage doesn't mean that Machida himself was doing the more effective work.
Give him time, he`s on the way back to Pride form - then those guys that have only ever seen him in UFC are gonna be in for a treat, they`ll love him. :good
