[Mr. Sparkle]

Lyoto took a fight that should have ever been made, did what he had to do against a aging star, who he respects very much, and was incredibly gracious in victory. This fight was a no win situation for him, as is evidenced by all the cries I have been now reading that he beat an old man and doesn't yet belong back in the top 5. Man, what do people want from the guy. If Randy had beaten him, Randy would have got a title shot. Machida wins and people are still fixated on his past 3 fights.

Congrats Lyoto, you are great for the sport (minus the whole urine thing, just can't quite get on that train).

[BobbyCooper]

The way Lyoto said Good Bye to Randy was the greatest and most heartfelt thing I have seen in this Sport so far! This is what makes Lyoto and this Sport so great.

Lyoto had tears in his eyes.. nothing more to say about him!


Like I said earlier, Lyoto makes this World a better place every single day!!! And we should Thank him for being the person he is, cause there aren't many Lyoto's out there anymore..

[Canadian Psycho]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sparkle

Lyoto took a fight that should have ever been made, did what he had to do against a aging star, who he respects very much, and was incredibly gracious in victory. This fight was a no win situation for him, as is evidenced by all the cries I have been now reading that he beat an old man and doesn't yet belong back in the top 5. Man, what do people want from the guy. If Randy had beaten him, Randy would have got a title shot. Machida wins and people are still fixated on his past 3 fights.

Congrats Lyoto, you are great for the sport (minus the whole urine thing, just can't quite get on that train).

I was very impressed with the kick, but let's think things out rationally... Randy Couture, much as I love and respect him, is pushing 50 and was fighting his retirement fight. Why does Lyoto somehow now merit title talk when he was schooled by Rua twice, and just lost to Rampage? How does that work? To be in the mix, you have to actually beat guys who are, well... in the mix!

The fact is, Randy beating Lyoto is a lot more impressive than Lyoto beating Randy, purely because of where Randy is in life. A young Machida beating a 50 year old Couture is what it is. A 50 year old Couture beating a young Machida is something else entirely... it's been that way with Randy for the longest time now. It's called not only defeating your opponents, but defeating Father Time on top of it all.

Machida picking up a win was certainly a step in the right direction, and sending Couture out like he did will have people talking again. But the truth is, until he can beat your Jacksons and your Ruas, Lyoto Machida shouldn't be talked about as a potential number one contender. There are at least two guys in the UFC LHW division who are ahead of him right now, though I won't delude myself into thinking this is actually how title shots always work.

Machida vs. Rua III would be telling. I'd have that fight on tap, and would have Rashad facing Forrest as opposed to Phil Davis. All that aside, Machida was classy as always, and I look forward to seeing where he goes from here.

[Tabares]

damn my love is on another level again


really a beautiful man

[BobbyCooper]

One more fight and Lyoto should be rewarded to fight for the Belt again. That crane kick to death made him skip at least 1 fight.

[GlasgowKiss]

Whilst this was always a mismatch ( despite what some thought ), there were many positives for Lyoto fans last night.....

- He looked very lean and toned, much more so than for a few years. He perhaps trained this way for speed to avoid Randy's clinch, but it was good to see as I prefer him like this.

- I thought he also looked very determined and pumped on his way into the octagon. It was good to see a bit of energy about him, in stark contrast to some previous fights of recent.

- whilst it was a mismatch, he executed a perfect gameplan. Picked Randy off with punches, a couple of knees and some body kicks. Managed to push away from the clinch every time Randy got close to him. Showed he still has weapons that can end fights, that none of us have seen yet.


Loved his speech after the fight. It was heartfelt and one of the most genuine pourings of love towards his opponent. You could tell it was truly an emotional moment and one that swept me up and away with Randy's words as well


All round a great night

[K R Y]

Originally Posted by BobbyCooper

One more fight and Lyoto should be rewarded to fight for the Belt again. That crane kick to death made him skip at least 1 fight.

Hmmm I dunno Coop. I love Machida as much as anyone, but I think he needs another 2 for sure. If he gets another exciting finish against a top 3 or top 5 guy, I could see him getting a title shot though.

[osmium]

I've always just liked the guy I'm not a booster of his. I like to watch him fight but I don't get amped up for weeks to see him I just appreciate his skills.

[BobbyCooper]

Originally Posted by GlasgowKiss

Whilst this was always a mismatch ( despite what some thought ), there were many positives for Lyoto fans last night.....

- He looked very lean and toned, much more so than for a few years. He perhaps trained this way for speed to avoid Randy's clinch, but it was good to see as I prefer him like this.

- I thought he also looked very determined and pumped on his way into the octagon. It was good to see a bit of energy about him, in stark contrast to some previous fights of recent.

- whilst it was a mismatch, he executed a perfect gameplan. Picked Randy off with punches, a couple of knees and some body kicks. Managed to push away from the clinch every time Randy got close to him. Showed he still has weapons that can end fights, that none of us have seen yet.


Loved his speech after the fight. It was heartfelt and one of the most genuine pourings of love towards his opponent. You could tell it was truly an emotional moment and one that swept me up and away with Randy's words as well


All round a great night

Well said Glasgow

Lyoto looked so much better and so much more elusive again this time, just like the good old days where nobody was able to touch him.

I knew he would drop some of that mass again. It was just too much. This is the perfect weight for him where he still carrys that Knock Out Power.

Originally Posted by KryOnicle

Hmmm I dunno Coop. I love Machida as much as anyone, but I think he needs another 2 for sure. If he gets another exciting finish against a top 3 or top 5 guy, I could see him getting a title shot though.

I think I have to agree with you here Kry, considering that Davis vs. Rashad and Rampage are still in the mix and Jones is injured..

[Mirage445]

I wouldn't mind seeing Machida v Rampage 5-rounder.