Filed under: UFC
UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida has an opponent for his first title defense: Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. UFC President Dana White confirmed during the Ultimate Fighter Finale that Machida will take on Shogun in the fall.
The Machida vs. Shogun fight had not been officially announced until now, but it was widely speculated that the fight would happen. It’s a fight that makes a lot of sense for the UFC, as Shogun is one of the best light heavyweights in the world and has an aggressive style that should push the pace against the elusive Machida.
After Machida beat Rashad Evans at UFC 98, I wrote that I think Shogun has the best chance of beating Machida of all the UFC’s light heavyweights. He’s a dynamic striker who’s quick enough to move in and out against Machida, and although he only has one career win by submission, he can win a fight on the ground if he needs to. Shogun-Machida is a great fight.
It’s also a fight that serves as a major comeback for Shogun, who not long ago looked like his career had gone into a decline. After being one of the best fighters in the Japanese Pride promotion, Rua lost to Forrest Griffin late in 2007 and missed all of 2008 with an injury. Now he’s set for a big-time UFC title fight, on October 24 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Lyoto Machida to Fight Shogun Rua in First UFC Title Defense originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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