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.