Shogun struggles to find a weakness in Machida

[LJluck]

MMA fans around the world have debated the question endlessly - how do you defeat Lyoto Machida? What are his weaknesses? If you are anything like these fans, the questions are rhetorical because there are no obvious answers.

But at least you don’t have to fight Machida. So spare a thought for Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, who is challenging the light-heavyweight champion for his belt at UFC 104 next week. Asked recently what weaknesses he saw in Machida, the Pride veteran was lost for words.

“Ah, now you got me… Maybe, maybe… damn, let me think ... Maybe the guard is a little low,” he said to Terra.com.br at the weekend. Shogun laughed as he said it, but he was not entirely joking. “I think his stand up is his strongest aspect. It is very difficult to find him, hitting him. And his wrestling, which is good,” he elaborated.

http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=3271

That has got to be daunting for Shogun to not even know of any weaknesses he can exploit of Machida's

[Drock]

I am the underdog for sure but I am confident. Lyoto is the favorite, the current champion. Everybody bets he will beat me but I come in all my fights thinking I’m capable to win. I already see myself being victorious. If I think different, it’s better not fighting.



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http://mmamania.com/2009/10/20/shogun-r ... on-oct-24/ (http://mmamania.com/2009/10/20/shogun-rua-looking-to-exploit-the-dragons-low-guard-on-oct-24/)

[Rich Davie]

I'm gonna merge this into ljluck's thread... same topic and he ninja'd you by 2 minutes.

[JAX]

I think a possible weakness might be how he responds by getting hit...of course if he get's hit. He's hardly been touched in all of his fights and Tito catching him in a triangle has been one of his few mistakes. And I'm sure he won't let that happen again.

[Drock]

Im Thinking Shogun Rua's Only Chance Is To Take Him To The Ground And To Hope He Can Find A Submisson.

[Humblefan]

Im Thinking Shogun Rua's Only Chance Is To Take Him To The Ground And To Hope He Can Find A Submisson.


Yup, thats pretty much what I was gonna say too. The only problem is that guy is so elusive and will not hesitate you just back pedal or even jog out of harm's way. Seen it!

[Woodzulu]

I think Machida's Jitz is undervalued because he is so very good on his feet. Like Anderson Silva it hardly goes to the ground but Silva I think has been the only UFC fighter to submit Hendo. And I think Lyoto is better than Silva. And yeah that was a mistake to get caught by Tito but even in that error it showed the heart and indomitable spirit of Machida.

[Woodzulu]

IMO it will not even get out of the first round. I see this ending the same way Thiago and Rashad ended.

[Drock]

I think Machida's Jitz is undervalued because he is so very good on his feet. Like Anderson Silva it hardly goes to the ground but Silva I think has been the only UFC fighter to submit Hendo. And I think Lyoto is better than Silva. And yeah that was a mistake to get caught by Tito but even in that error it showed the heart and indomitable spirit of Machida.
Lyoto Machida Is A BJJ Black Belt, He Has To Be Pretty Freaking Good To Get That.

[Birla]

I think Machida's Jitz is undervalued because he is so very good on his feet. Like Anderson Silva it hardly goes to the ground but Silva I think has been the only UFC fighter to submit Hendo. And I think Lyoto is better than Silva. And yeah that was a mistake to get caught by Tito but even in that error it showed the heart and indomitable spirit of Machida.
Lyoto Machida Is A BJJ Black Belt, He Has To Be Pretty Freaking Good To Get That.

Its crazy to think that Machida's and Silva's weaknesses are their BJJ and there both black belts. Just shows are crazy they are on their feet.

I dont think Shogun has that much of a chance but i think he has got more than somepeople seem to think. Forget standing, nobody is going to beat Machida their barring a fluke which shouldnt be your gameplan.

But he has got good wrestling and good BJJ. He took down Chuck and although Machida TD defense is good i dont think he is totally immune to the TD and then for Shoguns sake hoefully he can adapt that agressive ground and pound without stomps and kicks.

Still going Machida TKO 2nd though

[ToeZup]

I can't find any weaknesses in his game either. This is going to be a very tough fight for Shogun. he is going to have to bring the action at a very fast pace and not give Machida time to anylize. Shogun isn't really a fast paced fighter so I see him having a very tough time.

[Red Tex]

Welcome to everyone else's hypothesis Shogun!! :clap:


Good luck trying to find it on Saturday.