The UFC stages its first championship match between unbeatens when Lyoto "the Dragon" Machida challenges the light heavyweight champ "Sugar" Rashad Evans.
Rashad (13-0-1), a former contestant and eventual heavyweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series, was NJCAA wrestling champion at 165 lbs before competing for three years at Michigan State. After college, he trained under Dan Severn and began his mixed martial arts career with a series of wins. Following his success on TUF, he has continued his winning ways with victories over Stephen Bonner, Sean Salmon, and Michael Bisping. Rashad earned widespread recognition by defeating Chuck Liddell with a devastating knockout punch at UFC 88. Continuing his upward trend, he challenged Forrest Griffin for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 92. Controlling the action with his striking, Rashad was able to catch Griffin with a punch in the third round. The stunned Griffin was unable to defend himself against the ensuing ground and pound attack and the fight was stopped. This will be Evans first defense of his belt.
Machida (14-0) began traininig in karate in his native Brazil at the age of 4. Under the tutelage of his father, Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida, he was able to earn his black belt by the age of 12. In addition to karate, Machida has also trained extensively in sumo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He began his mixed martial arts career under Antoni Inoki in Japan. Competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling and K-1, Machida defeated Stephen Bonnar, Rich Franklin, and B.J. Penn among others. After make the move to the UFC, Machida continued his success. His trademark elusiveness was displayed at UFC 84 against Tito Ortiz. Using counter-striking and movement, Machida was able to frustrate Tito until he was able to land a knee that put him on the mat. Although Ortiz attempted various chokes and an armbar, Machida was able to survive with a unanimous decision. In his last fight, Machida scored an uncharacteristic first round knockout against fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.
Evans has been cast as the underdog, despite his belt being on the line. With his strong wrestling background and powerful striking ability, he will be looking to overpower Machida. Given Machida's tendency towards utilizing lateral movement and counters to inflict damage, this will be a difficult task for Evans. Although efficient at doling out punishment without receiving any, Machida has been criticized for a sometimes boring style. Unless Evans is able to impose his will on Machida and catch him with strikes, Lyoto should be able to bore his way to the championship.
Machida by decision
Rashad (13-0-1), a former contestant and eventual heavyweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series, was NJCAA wrestling champion at 165 lbs before competing for three years at Michigan State. After college, he trained under Dan Severn and began his mixed martial arts career with a series of wins. Following his success on TUF, he has continued his winning ways with victories over Stephen Bonner, Sean Salmon, and Michael Bisping. Rashad earned widespread recognition by defeating Chuck Liddell with a devastating knockout punch at UFC 88. Continuing his upward trend, he challenged Forrest Griffin for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 92. Controlling the action with his striking, Rashad was able to catch Griffin with a punch in the third round. The stunned Griffin was unable to defend himself against the ensuing ground and pound attack and the fight was stopped. This will be Evans first defense of his belt.
Machida (14-0) began traininig in karate in his native Brazil at the age of 4. Under the tutelage of his father, Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida, he was able to earn his black belt by the age of 12. In addition to karate, Machida has also trained extensively in sumo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He began his mixed martial arts career under Antoni Inoki in Japan. Competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling and K-1, Machida defeated Stephen Bonnar, Rich Franklin, and B.J. Penn among others. After make the move to the UFC, Machida continued his success. His trademark elusiveness was displayed at UFC 84 against Tito Ortiz. Using counter-striking and movement, Machida was able to frustrate Tito until he was able to land a knee that put him on the mat. Although Ortiz attempted various chokes and an armbar, Machida was able to survive with a unanimous decision. In his last fight, Machida scored an uncharacteristic first round knockout against fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.
Evans has been cast as the underdog, despite his belt being on the line. With his strong wrestling background and powerful striking ability, he will be looking to overpower Machida. Given Machida's tendency towards utilizing lateral movement and counters to inflict damage, this will be a difficult task for Evans. Although efficient at doling out punishment without receiving any, Machida has been criticized for a sometimes boring style. Unless Evans is able to impose his will on Machida and catch him with strikes, Lyoto should be able to bore his way to the championship.
Machida by decision
UFC 98 Light Heavyweight Championship Fight (205 lbs)
Here are the latest odds
Rashad Evans
Nickname: Sugar
Record: 13-0-1
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Reach: 74.5 in
Here is his last fight with Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans Rnd. 3
Lyoto Machida
Nickname: The Dragon
Record: 14-0
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Reach: 74 in
Here is his last fight with Thiago Silva
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