Lyoto Machida Backlash
by Zak Woods on Oct 26, 2009 11:47 AM EDT
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It wasn't too long ago that Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida was labeled as "boring" and only the most die hard MMA fans appreciated his unique style. Joe Rogan's constant use of the adjective "elusive" became something of a running joke for fans who saw it as a code word for Machida's running (often times away) fighting style.
That began to change when Machida knocked out Thiago Silva at UFC 94. It got even better for "The Dragon" when he destroyed the perpetually unpopular Rashad Evans to win the light heavyweight title.
In the run-up to UFC 104 it finally appeared that Machida was going to develop a strong fan following thanks to the back-to-back knockout victories plus the expected dominance of what Joe Rogan called the "Machida Era." But that all changed on Saturday night with his controversial decision victory over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
If anyone has checked out a MMA forum recently the headlines involving Machida aren't pretty. MMA Fanhouse and Cagewriter both attempt to encapsulate the tremendous blow back that Lyoto Machida is now facing.
Hell hath no fury as an MMA fan's scorn and right now MMA fans are infuriated with Machida for the perceived undeserved victory.
In reality it isn't Lyoto's fault that the judges awarded him the decision. Yet that fact won't disinfect the bile being thrown Machida's way.
So what can Machida do to temper the outrage?
The tonic to cure the venom that now infects the MMA fan-base is simple, win and win big. A few dominating victories later and this episode will be forgotten.
After all, winning cures all.
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Lyoto should capitalize and do a heel turn. Tell the fans to F off, and be the LHW Brock. Do all his interviews with a big frosty glass of pee.
No reason to be pissed at Lyoto, it’s not his job to make the call. The three crazy judges are to blame
R.I.P Darren Sutherland
i agree with the all the above. Not his fault, he should be blamed, big win will silence everyone.
I think part of it that is not mentioned is the disappointment from fans. Everyone thought he was something unique and special, untouchable and was thrilled to watch it. Now we realize he is human. A lot of opinion is based on expectations. if Shogun was the big favorite and the decision went against him then fans would be upset, but not even close to what they are now
"That's an Awfully Big Mustache"-Frank Drebin
watchkalibrun.com
Winning cures all. So true – see Alex Rodriguez.
I’m waiting for the rematch . . . it should be great. Maybe Shogun’s corner will instruct him to go all out Rounds 1 – 5, instead of relaxing because you’re winning.
Go Machida, Go Shogun!!
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