Lyoto Machdia Retains Title, Shogun Loses in a Heartbreaker
by Zak Woods on Oct 25, 2009 1:12 AM EDT
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When Bruce Buffer read the scores of the Lyoto Machida Mauricio Rua title fight the audienced gasped in collective shock. The scores were 48-47 across the board, for Machida.
The viewing public had just witnessed a superb strategic performance by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and it appeared that he had won the light heavyweight title, though, albeit, a narrow victory. However the judges favored the current champion when it came time to tally the scores.
The entire fight had a slow methodical pace as Shogun forced the counter striking Machida to engage him. When Shogun struck first he did at a distance with leg kicks and body kicks, which wore down Lyoto's cardio in rounds four and five. Rounds that went decisively in Rua's favor. But the judges awarded the first three rounds to Lyoto Machida and they were close but with both fighter's putting on, near equal performances, there is plenty of room for debate.
Coming into UFC 104 many people (including me) were prepared to crown Lyoto Machida the perpetual champion and deity of the UFC's light heavyweight division. But after tonight many people (once again, including me) will be questioning whether Machida even deserved to win.
One thing is certain now, Lyoto Machida is not a god and was made to looked very mortal by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 10/25/09 1:47 AM EDT ]
Dana White scored the bout for Shogun.
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As a Shogun fan I will admit I am biased, but with that being said I thought Shogun won rounds 1, 3, 4 and 5. Even my friend who picked Machida and gave Shogun no chance thought Shogun won at least rounds 1, 4 and 5. I’m not gonna run around claiming it was a robbery or that the CSAC is corrupt, but it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. I fear this let down will in some way haunt Shogun. I really hope he takes this loss and builds on it and comes back and leaves no question about who is the better fighter, winning by KO in their eventual rematch.
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