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Henderson vs Machida set for UFC 156

Quote:

Lyoto Machida expects to be fighting Dan Henderson on February 23 in Anaheim, he told ESPN on Friday.
Machida is set to take on the veteran light-heavyweight in a UFC 157 battle that will likely lead to a title shot for the winner.
Henderson and Machida had been scheduled for UFC 156 on February 2 but Henderson is keen not to rush the recuperation of a knee injury.
A switch to the February 23 card would not only give him extra time to prepare for the challenge of Machida, but the event is also based close to where he lives in California.
"They said February 23," Machida told ESPN when asked about the bout on Friday.
"Henderson is a tough fighter, he's had a lot of tough opponents, and it's great opportunity for me to earn a title shot."
Henderson may have an advantage over Machida after he helped Randy Couture study the Brazilian. Machida won that battle with a spectacular crane kick knockout, but he expects a different test from Henderson.
"It's completely different. Henderson is from a different style of wrestling, he likes to punch, and he's faster than Randy Couture. He's a dangerous guy."
The main goal for Machida is to earn a rematch against Jon Jones, to whom he has already lost via submission. The Dragon did become the first man to take a round off Jones in that fight, and he knows he could do things differently second time around.
"I'm not convinced with my first fight. I believe in myself. I have to have more passion, I have to change the strategy during the fight sometimes."

Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/stor...bHzqy6Qbvpq.99

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LIttle bit nervous for Machida on this, but I think he eludes the right hand and picks Dan apart. Possible KO in the 2nd or 3rd, the way he's been fighting lately.

I don't think Lyoto has much to worry about, honestly. He has some of the best evasion and takedown defense in the UFC, and those are Henderson's only weapons. I honestly think he'll walk through Dan.

Title needs to be fixed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraMaI (Post 1648546)

Henderson's not beating too many guys up on the ground. That's not really his thing, even with his greco background. He likes to stand and clinch and brawl and load up on the right hand. But as one dimensional as that is, he's very good at it, and has a great chin. Pretty sure Machida can evade and land on him, though. I have a feeling he can win this impressively. I don't think we're going to see another Rampage performance.

This scares me as a loss or two for Hendo at his age could retire him. I see Machida using his speed and elusiveness to well for Dan and putting him away. Especially if there's 5 rounds to work.

Dan needs to get in close and make it a dirty fight, just like the Shogun fight.