Tips for Machida...

I know it is stupid to propose that I would know how Machida could win decisively next time, but since the topic has been up what would you guys suggest? Here are my tips:

1. Add an upper-cut or flynig knee to your combinations. Shogun's defense is stellar and lowers his head so Machida's punches land on the top of his big dome, where Machida won't do much damage and may break his own hand. An upper-cut or knee could end the fight, but Shogun's chin is pretty tough.

2. Secure a takedown every round. Risky because of SHogun's ground game [I'm guessing it's better than Machida's], but a blackbelt on top like Machida shouldn't be in too much danger, especially if done just before the bell. Judges seem to love takedowns, which is why I'm guessing Rua tried one every round, but to no avail. Failing a takedown gives the other fighter points by the way. I guess sprawling is considered octagon control and grappling.

3. Check the kick or counter with a hook, rather than a straight everytime. Machida countered almost every time with a straight, but I keep thinking back to Wanderlei Silva's hook counter to Keith Jardine -- a shot to the temple or behind the ear, I think, will do more damage than to the face. At the very least change it up, but if you aren't going to counter the kick than check it for sure.

4. Improve the cardio. He was gassed in the fifth round. I think some of the debate is over how decisive the final frame was for Rua.

Yea he was being one dimensional. Just counter punching with Left hand and knees. I think he should mix it up a little more and be a little more aggressive. I would like to see him bulk up some more and come in at the weight limit to try and increase his power a tad.

1. Check leg kicks.

2. Watch as Shogun's head implodes from losing his only weapon.

3. Drink more Urine.

I think training with more actual fighters instead of hiding out at his country retreat will help a good deal.

captain organic wrote:

I think training with more actual fighters instead of hiding out at his country retreat will help a good deal.

+1

I said the same thing when I saw the countdown.