Lyoto Machida

[CFH]

I don't know much about MMA, I'm a very casual viewer, but I was really impressed by this guy last night. Evans didn't seem to have any answers for his unorthodox style, and his punches and kicks looked devastating.

During the broadcast the announcers stated that he was a hard guy to fight because karate has never really been prevalent in MMA, why is that?

[Julius Rain]

Lyoto has never lost a round and his been in there with quality oppenents.

I dont think its just his karate, I think its combination of his ability. His speed while laying back in that stance is devestating as well.

[VictorCharlie]

Machida's particular striking style has proven to be very difficult both from an offensive and defensive perspective. He is very talented and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the LHW div adjusts. Sooner or later someone will figure out a good way to counter his style. Karate in the past hasn't had much influence in MMA b/c it has little cross over ability. This is true of many of the traditional martial arts. Lyoto has really shown to a true Mixed Martial Artist by adapting the Karate stand and strikes to the MMA game.

[bikersk]

Machida's particular striking style has proven to be very difficult both from an offensive and defensive perspective. He is very talented and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the LHW div adjusts. Sooner or later someone will figure out a good way to counter his style. Karate in the past hasn't had much influence in MMA b/c it has little cross over ability. This is true of many of the traditional martial arts. Lyoto has really shown to a true Mixed Martial Artist by adapting the Karate stand and strikes to the MMA game.

And he is proficient in BJJ and has a 84% success rate with his strikes. He was devastating in that fight.

[JT Rock]

Karate is an incomplete martial arts system thats why. I wouldnt exactly call Machida style 100% pure karate. Like Van pointed out he has integrated a bit of his karate base in his striking and his head is on a swivel almost so that he can hit with out getting hit, his defense and fighting intelligence coupled with his unorthodox style is what makes him successful.. I like his style alot he is a true thinking mans fighter who epitomises the whole hit without getting hit philosophy.

I think a power guy like Dan Henderson or Rampage Jackson would give him a hard time, since they just grind you down.

I would like to see how Rua would do since he is one of my favorites and has seemed to have gotten it back together. Wouldnt be suprised to see a Lightheavyweight bout between Anderson Silva and Machida by the end of the year.

[OumaFan]

I don't much about MMA but just from the striking perspective it seems to me that if he takes the center of the ring and has the other guy circling (like Rashad) he's pretty tough to beat cause anytime you try to lead he's out of range in a second or countering you.

I don't know if that's how it would work out but if you pressure him maybe he isn't able to control distance as well because what stood out to me about the Evans fight was how he controlled distance and fought only when he wanted to fight.

[blegit]

Yeah, Evans fought Machida all wrong. I don't think he would've won anyway but you definitely can not stand on the outside with him. Machida is a very intelligent striker and has exceptional elusive defense. He is the epitome of hit and not be hit. You really have to earn your way in on Machida and when you do you need to get your money's worth. Fighting Machida on the outside would be placing yourself on the 'dead man walking list.' Machida keeps that leg strike out there like a jab and he mixes up his strikes so well that he confuses you and keeps you guessing. Couple that with the fact that he never waste punches or kicks and has excellent defensive movement. I think he beats Silva but the world needs this fight. I think Silva going down to fight St. Pierre is less attractive. But another fight that may bode very very well is Machida/Emelianenko. I like that fight better. Fedor is not a huge heavyweight, such as Lesnar, so I think this fight will be exciting. I think a talented guy would have to be much stronger than Machida to make it interesting.

[OumaFan]

From everything I've heard Machida and Silva are best friends or something and most likely won't fight, I guess money could change that.

[LEGION]

Machida/Silva would be a dream fight for me. I must admit I am on the Machida bandwagon now, and Silva's been my fave fghter since I watched him do a lawn mower job on Chris Leben Machida/Silva could be a borefest though until the last round but I ould pay to watch it. Silva in the clinch is devastating but Machida is hrd to get hold of; dn't know who I'd pick in that one.

[VictorCharlie]

Machida has brought an interesting wrinkle to MMA that no one has an answer for at the moment. Similar to when Coleman was thought to be unbeatable with his GnP and Chuck had his strange counter punching with wide looping punches from odd angles eventually someone comes up with a good game plan. What impresses me most about Lyoto is his patience and economy of effort. If Shogun is back to 2005-2006 form then Id give him the best chance of the LHW strikers to win. I think it will take a wrestler hybrid to truly beat him. I just do not see anyone right now that can stand and outstrike this guy. I think it will take someone more like Henderson or Couture that can dictate where the fight happens and grind out a win.

[Andre]

Smart fighter cool headed smooth ; Ill go out on the limb and say I think he is unbeatable at the moment. Still is the master of unrest.

I would think if he tries to go up in weight and someone bigger with a chin can take a few of his shots, closes, grapples then sweeps and removes both his legs and lands on him we may see something different; but until then unbeatable.

[Fenster]

I don't know anything about MMA - but i was impressed with this guys unorthodox style the few times i'd seen him before, was looking forward to the Evans fight, and was seriously impressed again.

I'll be watching again for sure.

[VictorCharlie]

Rampage has a pretty good beard. If he attempts to stand and out strike Lyoto, at best he loses a UD. He needs to use his hand speed, athleticism and wrestling background to close the distance with Machida. This still doesn't guarantee a victory but it will allow him to at least dictate how the fight happens. I don't even know if I'd give Rampge much of an edge in the clinch. Lyoto has good BJJ but I doubt he is going to show Quinton something he hasn't seen before. If Jackson wants to win this he has to get the fight to the ground and use his awesome strength and power to grind out a win.

[Majesty]

Anderson Silva would probably be the harder match up style for Machida.

The person who came closest to beating Machida was Tito Ortiz when he locked in that triangle choke as Machida was trying to jump on him on the ground. So maybe the best way to beat machida is to keep him off of his feet, never strike with a striker and he isn't too defensive on the ground.

So I think Shogun or Silva would give him a tough time.

[Julius Rain]

Anderson Silva would probably be the harder match up style for Machida.

The person who came closest to beating Machida was Tito Ortiz when he locked in that triangle choke as Machida was trying to jump on him on the ground. So maybe the best way to beat machida is to keep him off of his feet, never strike with a striker and he isn't too defensive on the ground.

So I think Shogun or Silva would give him a tough time.

Actually lyotos toughest match is suprisingly against the smallest fighter he has ever fought. BJ Penn.