Lyoto Machida vs. Jon Jones: Will it be the end for Jones? – Boxing Special
President of UFC Dana White has officially confirmed that Lyoto Machida will be the man facing UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones for the title. White made the announcement following UFC of Fox 4’s results. Since Machida was the most impressive victor
of the event, White decided to call it a show for Machida.
Nevertheless, as always, White’s prompt decision offended numerous UFC fans around the globe, as they were hoping Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua to be the one facing Jones. According to White, Rua was not up to the par at UFC on Fox 4. Although Shogun won against
Brandon Vera, his performance was unacceptable to be considered for the title shot.
Not just White, even Rua admitted his shortcomings and promised fans that he would improve and put on better shows in the future. White then spoke about Machida’s passion to get the shot, something Shogun lacks.
“'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.
“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,” he added.
After White announced Machida as the challenger, a rage erupted from UFC critics, suggesting the President should have opted for Shogun Rua instead of Machida. However, White, who is always stern enough to stand for his actions, asserted, “Don't watch it.
If you don't like it, don't buy it.”
White was furious over UFC critics and those who believe Machida is not good enough. According to him, Machida performed well at the event and he proved his mettle, something that Shogun Rua could not.
On the other hand, there are speculations suggesting that Jon Jones is finally off his game and that this time the light heavyweight champion might find it hard to defend his title. Considering the fact that Machida is in his form, it is possible for ‘The
Dragon’ to finally end Jones’ long reigning career.
It should be noted here that Jones is in no mood of losing yet. He wants to break Tito Ortiz’s record of the having the most title defence fights during his reign as the light heavyweight titlist.
As of now, it can be said that the showdown between Jones and Machida will be a tough one, considering the fact that Machida is in top-notch condition. Even Dana White believes Machida has the determination to go the extra mile to defeat Jones.
If Machida is able to beat Jones, he will not only grab the light heavyweight title but also the honour of beating the best mixed martial artist in the world. Nevertheless, it is not an easy task to accomplish. Considering Jones’ accomplishments to date,
one can easily rate him as the best UFC fighter of all time.
Jones has fought more ferocious fighters than Machida in the past, and he has always emerged successful despite his shortcomings. Therefore, there is absolutely no way the light heavyweight champion will fall to Machida, if he is in the right condition.
Only Machida’s luck can make him win. He would need to stay tight and focus on Jones’ weaknesses to put him down.
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