Official MMA Discussion Thread

Totally forgot it was on. I wanted to see Machida vs. Shogun and Stevenson vs. Fischer. It'll be on TV in 6 months anyway. UFC always does that shit.

I wouldn't be surprised if Machida has cracked ribs right now.

Way too many knees to the midsection by Shogun

That decision was absolute robbery. A minute into round one and I was thinking, "Holy shit, we got a real fight!" Rua brought it and showed Machida's weakness is against kicks.

During the post-fight presser, White supposedly suggested that a rematch is coming as soon as they can. Sucks that Shogun has to rethink the fight and come with a fresh strategy, though I imagine kicks will continue to be very useful for him. I want him to learn straight punches. Lyoto was beating him with straights whenever he was able to get past Rua's feet.

As far as bad decisions go, that was as bad as they come.

I forgot the fight was on too but everyone I know that watched it said that Shogun was robbed.

Never leave it in the hands of the judges.

EDIT: quick response to last page

What Dole said. It was close, not robbery. Finish the fight.

On Brock being sick:

Iole has a mailbag up pointing out how Brock was playing host at the Vikes/Ravens game a week ago and seemed fine. Dana said he had breakfast w/him a month ago and didn't seem sick.

After the first viewing, yes, I thought Shogun won and if taken as one aggregate fight rather than five individual rounds, I'd lean towards giving Shogun the victory as well.

But as five individual rounds go:

Round 1: 10-10 or 10-9 Machida. A fairly even round. Shogun's best strikes were counters but many came after he was struck so technically I'd score those for Machida or even.

Round 2: 10-9 Machida. Machida wins the first half of the round, Rua wins the second and it starts becoming apparent Rua's kicks are taking effect on Machida's movement.

Round 3: 10-9 Machida. Shogun was winning this round 10-9 on points as it becomes evident he's found his range and is committed to his strategy, but it doesn't seem to involve finishing Machida, rather one focused on wearing him out and outpointing him. I gave Machida the round because he attempted to finish Shogun at the end and I thought he was on the verge of doing so.

Round 4: 10-9 Rua. The kicks have taken away Machida's movement, Shogun chops away. For Chrissake' Machida even slips and falls in this round. No legs.

Round 5: 10-9 Rua. The same.

It should have been a draw and a rematch would have been necessary anyway. Ironically I thought Shogun was very effective and impressive because he was a terrific counterstriker rather than Machida while still being the aggressor, though that is the default case when you face Machida in most cases.

I haven't watched a live ppv since the last St Pierre match, but this card is looking pretty good. It's an 11 bout night. I'd love to see Cheick go Amistad on Mir. Clay Guida against Ken Flo should be a spectacular match as well. Also Ortiz wants a 3rd match with Liddel.

The full UFC 107 fight card:

Main Bouts (on pay-per-view):
-B.J. Penn (14-5-1; #1 Lightweight) vs. Diego Sanchez (21-2; #10 Lightweight)
-Frank Mir (12-4; #3 Heavyweight)* vs. Cheick Kongo (14-5-1)
-Kenny Florian (11-4; #6 Lightweight) vs. Clay Guida (25-10)
-Jon Fitch (19-3; #2 Welterweight) vs. Mike Pierce (10-1)
-Todd Duffee (5-0) vs. Paul Buentello (27-10)

Preliminary Bouts:
-Wilson Gouveia (18-6) vs. Alan Belcher (14-6)
-Shane Nelson (12-4) vs. Matt Wiman (10-5)
-Johny Hendricks (6-0) vs. Ricardo Funch (7-0)
-Rousimar Palhares (9-2) vs. Lucio Linhares (13-4)
-DaMarques Johnson (12-7) vs. Edgar Garcia (7-1)
-Kevin Burns (10-3) vs. T.J. Grant (14-3)