[JohannSyer]

I really would like Machida to win, with all the respect Hendo deserves as an MMA legend. I would like to see Machida wins by KO,connecting a punch after avoiding Hendo's punches, similar to the Bader fight. But... I don't see it happening. I think it will be a close fight. I pick Machida, via unanimous decision. The submission is a possibility, of course, but I simply don't foresee it.
Questions: How many more years can Machida fight in high level? With that speed? I consider guys like Couture, Hendo and Anderson Silva to be exceptions. Guys that can fight even close or after the 40's. Is the Machida Dojo preparing another fighter? As the time goes, would Machida faces more and more difficulties to drop to Middle Weight?

[No_Mercy]

Based on the workouts it looks like Machidas looking to counter Hendos right bomb with a left knee which is nuts. That's a hard counter to do, but if either lands it's good night.

[flashbang]

Both are my long time favourite fighters. Would like Hendo to have the next shot at the title but I predict this will end like Machida-Bader fight.

[Big_Charm]

The question is how timid will Lyoto be? Remember the Rampage fight, tonight could look a lot like that.

Dan is great at controlling the octagon, cutting off angles and setting up his H bomb. If he pins Machida against the cage, grinds him and dirty boxes... he can really set the tone and wear him out. Dan's greco and scrambling skills should not be overlooked as well.

This is a very close fight, but me thinks Hendo can finish via T/KO if he lands early in the first/second round(s).

[jonnyg4508]

I hope if Hendo wins, all of his doubters just shut up next time he fights.

[mastodon2222]

Henderson as a 2-1 underdog seems insane to me. I think it's an even fight:

Pro Machida:
* younger and faster
* Hendo comes forward and Machida is a master counter puncher
* Machida always comes in with a good fight strategy

Pro Hendo:
* chin: he's never been knocked out in 40 fights
* ground game: Hendo will own him if it goes to the ground


Give me Hendo via GNP at 2-1 odds.

[cookiefritas]

People massively underrate Hendo. He is an animal in the first two rounds. His standup might not look great but he has great range awareness, great timing and great accuracy with his right hand.

This will be a close fight and very similar to the Machida-Rampage fight. The dragon is a great fighter, but he has never ran through guys like Hendo (true ko power and iron chins); I don't see him running through Hendo. Just rewatch the last Shogun and Machida fight and the Jones-Machida fight; Machida is there to hit when he darts in with this patented one-two and Hendo is the type of guy that has the chin, timing and power to eventually catch him coming in.

[Soojooko]

The Rampage fight was Machidas first back after getting wiped out by Rua. He still looked shell shocked in there. He hasn't looked like that since. He's looked sharp and nimble.

[cookiefritas]

He looked sharp and nimble against Couture and Bader. No disrespect to them, but these guys are not ko artists and both have suspect stand up and chins. He looked good against Jones in the first round, I will give him that; but once Jones took a good shot from him and decided to stand and throw when Machida darted in, he clipped him good.

Machida just does not have the power to make a guy like Hendo, Rampage or Shogun respect him. Plus he knows his chin is average at best. Trust me he will be timid out there with Hendo.

[M.C]

Hendo will KO/TKO him.

Machida doesn't (shouldn't, I suppose anything can happen but this is highly unlikely) have the KO power to hurt Henderson, and he won't be able to avoid him the whole fight, either. Hendo will cut him off and get in his face from time to time, off and on, he will find a home for that big shot during one of these exchanges and it will be over.