Machida Vs. ???

With Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson being announced as coaches for the up coming Ultimate Fighter 10, many have been wondering if Machida will defend his title against Rampage. The rumors across the internet were all over the place, that Machida would end up defending his title against Shogun Rua in September or October. Those rumors were killed as fast as they were started, Dana White confirmed Lyoto Machida’s first title defense will be in fact against Rampage Jackson.

Honestly, I don’t care who Machida defends his title against. I think he is so good, he can adapt to anyone’s style and not have any problems. A lot of people were talking about how potentially Machida would have had trouble against a counter striker like Evans. I even believed Evan’s wrestling abilities could have been a factor in the fight. Then UFC 98 happened and we all saw what Machida did. I don’t think anyone will ever accuse him of being boring again. It probably would be a better fight against Rua, because he is technically sound and he is also fresh off his win against Chuck Liddell. A few months ago I wrote Rua off after how bad he looked against Mark Coleman. But if anyone could give Machida hell, it probably could be Rua if he can get in top form.

Rampage, on the other hand, is just a power house that is capable of destroying whatever is in his way. When he fights Machida, he is going to have a hard time trying to catch him. If he can lay his hands on Machida, it’s going to be brutal, and it’s not going to be pretty. Still though as good as Rampage and Shogun are, I’d still put money on Lyoto Machida. I expect him to be wearing the Light-Heavyweight belt for a very long time.

Matt Hughes believes he still has it in him…

After beating Matt Serra at UFC 98, Matt Hughes feels he deserves a shot at the winner of GSP/Alves which is the co-main event at UFC 100. It doesn’t matter who wins that fight (I’m all for GSP though), I don’t think Hughes deserves to fight either Alves or St. Pierre. I mean he’s a legend and he did beat Matt Serra, but he just isn’t relevant any more. Did you watch 98 for Hughes and Serra? No it was all about Evans and Machida, those were the draws. Matt Hughes is no longer a draw. Even if he did get a chance against GSP or Alves, I think he isn’t good enough against for either of them. Sorry Matt, if you want to fight some main event fights you’re just going to have to jump ship to another promotion. Your options are limited, you can keep fighting in the UFC undercard, or just retire and concentrate on grooming the new generation of fighters. I genuinely am a fan, but even the greats gotta hang them up eventually, right? Speaking of UFC’s undercard…

Koschek Vs. Trigg or is it Koscheck Vs. Hughes??

Frank Trigg has been making noise in the world of MMA since announcing his return to the UFC. Making his return a bit more interesting, his potential opponent for his return could be Josh Koscheck at UFC 103, but Trigg might not even fight Koscheck, they might delay his return for a later date. Potentially, it could end up being Matt Hughes Vs. Josh Koscheck. Either way, I don’t care who fights Koscheck. I hate that guy. I just want to see his face get pounded and his ass beat by anyone. Ever since I saw him in the first Ultimate Fighter series, I just learned to hate him. Whether he fights Trigg or Hughes or someone else, I just want Koscheck to lose (preferably by knock out).

Affliction Trilogy

You know what? I’m actually looking forward to Afflication’s next PPV on August 1st. The world’s best heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will fight Josh Barnett in the main event. Should be a goodie. Other names to appear: Gegard Mousasi, Ben Rothwell, Renato Babalu Sobral, Tim Sylvia, Mark Hominick, Dan Lauzon, Chris Horodecki, and Paul Buentello.

Is Canada anti-MMA?

Why is the government of British Columbia and Ontario so against the sport? I’m pretty sure they already know about the record breaking numbers the UFC’s two Montreal appearance made. Both PPV’s were successful and it did wonders to their economy. Can’t they also see how well sanctioned promotions like the UFC are? They have the best doctors and medical staff taking care of the fighters. They take all the necessary precautions and they have rules that are designed to protect the fighters. Sure MMA is legal in Alberta, but who wants to go there for a big ticket event? If you want to come to Canada, you got to come to Vancouver or Toronto. Vancouver already got the 2010 Winter Olympics, why not make 2010 the most best year ever by hosting a UFC PPV at GM Place or even BC Place? MMA is no longer a sport for bloodthirsty, drunken, uneducated people…Umm….Give or take a few….

“Sugar” Shane Mosley wants Pacquiao

Now in the world of Boxing, Shane Mosley is willing to put his WBA Welterweight title on line against Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao. The only way he’ll do it though is at the catch weight of 144lbs. The fight could potentially be sometime in October and I can’t wait. I’m still waiting for Marquez/Mayweather, the winner of that one could face the winner of Mosley/Pacquiao if it happens.

That about wraps up this edition of Fight Fan’s Soapbox. Comments? Mistakes? Any beefs? Bring it on at the comment box.

Stay true,

RCV