Dana White reveals why Lyoto Machida was his choice for title shot – UFC News
UFC President Dana White decided on Lyoto Machida to be the number one contender for Jon Jones’ light heavyweight title this fall. Many fans were wondering why ‘The Boss’ selected Lyoto instead of Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. Now, White has come forward with an
explanation to his actions, like always.
According to the President, Machida was pestering him for a title shot but Rua did not.
“Leading up to this fight, 'Shogun' did turn down a fight. 'Shogun' has not been terrorizing me for another shot at Jon Jones. Lyoto Machida has. Lyoto Machida wants it,” said White in an interview to MMAJunkie.com
It should be noted here White promised fans that the man who emerges with the most impressive victory at UFC on Fox 4 would get the title shot. Since Mauricio Rua’s victory was not as astounding as that of Machida, White came up with the decision of handing
over the title shot to the latter. Even Rua admitted the fact that he was not as impressive in the ring against Brandon Vera as his fans expected.
While talking about how consistently Machida has been asking him for a title shot, White revealed, “His management has been all over me, terrorizing me to get him back to the title. What I can tell you is he wants it bad. That's very important to me -- how
bad a guy actually wants that fight -- and Machida wants it bad.”
Mauricio Rua knocked out Brandon Vera in the fourth round. He started off well but during the second and third round, he looked fatigue. Realising his performance was poor, Rua apologised to the fans for putting up a mediocre show.
Rua promised fans that he would improve and put up better performances in the future.
As of now, White is confident that his decision of putting Machida against Jon Jones in the cage will give rise to a thrilling bout that fans will enjoy. According to White, Machida has the determination to the extra mile and do whatever it takes to get
the title, something ‘Shogun’ Rua has been missing all this time.
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