Oct 23 UFC 104 FORECAST: MACHIDA VS. RUA

The last three times the UFC light heavyweight championship title was defended, its possession changed hands all three times. Labeled the toughest and deepest division in the UFC, light heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida emerged as an untouchable warrior and has run through all obstacles including a stunning knock out victory over former champion "Sugar" Rashad Evans. In no hurry to face Machida, number one contender Rampage Jackson chose to coach the current season of "TUF" against Evans instead of getting his belt back. This left the UFC looking down the list of the next best in line and receiving the call was Pride grand prix winner Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who has won back to back fights by knock out.

With a record breaking crowd against him last April, Shogun iced the "Iceman" and silenced the Bell Centre in Montreal (everyone except for one young man excited about the win). Rua showed a massive improvement in the Liddell fight after an almost disastrous bout with Mark Coleman three months prior where Shogun made his comeback after being sidelined from surgery. If Mauricio continues to make strides like he did from the Coleman to Liddell fights, this light heavyweight bout could be one for the ages.

As the leader for "fighter of the year" candidate it's no secret that 2009 has been great to Lyoto Machida. A buzzer beater KO of Thiago Silva, the beat down of Rashad Evans and crowning of the undefeated and undisputed champion, Machida is as hot as a fighter can get. In arguably his toughest fight to date, Lyoto's dangerous counter striking will have to play a factor in Shogun's unique in your face aggressiveness.

MMA Hangover's Prediction: This has all the potential to be one of the greatest fights of our time. A healthy, in shape Shogun vs. the untouchable Lyoto Machida. I think a lot of fans are underestimating Rua's chances on Saturday, he's as good as or better than any fighter when he shows up. However, I think Shogun would have benefited from fighting at least one more time before getting the title shot against Machida. That being said, I'll have to take Machida to win this by third round TKO.s

Tags: Lyoto Machida \ MMA \ Rothwell \ Shogun Rua \ UFC 104 \ Velasquez

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