Simply put. I don't think anyone in the LHW division can. I'd like to see Rampage beat him, but no...he probably won't unless he can someone get him into a brawl, on the ground, or in a clinch war.
none of the above. i want to see a anderson silva vs machida now that will be interesting.. an excellent world class striker against a guy thats almost unhittable..
If I HAD to pick one of the four, I'd pick Rampage. His fists are heavy as hell, and if he can throw wildly and connect when Machida comes in to attack, he could knock him out, but that's the only way I can see anyone beating Machida for the time being, the guy is unreal.
Anderson Silva or Fedor. Never going to happen, though. A high level kickboxer with tournament experience would be a good background. Machida's "points Karate" style could be countered by someone who can also jump in and out of range for strikes. They'd also have to be good against a body lock, which seems to be Machida's go-to take down maneuver. I think we're looking at guys like Brandon Vera and Mirko Cro Cop, but it's hard to imagine anyone beating him right now. A Greco-Roman fighter with good striking might do better than a traditional wrestler (Rashad/Cheeto). But Jon Jones is a few years away from this level yet.
Of the guys listed I think Shogun would have the best chance--just as long as he is back in form and not the current incarnation, which is probably impossible.
I honestly think Rampage would be a cake walk for Lyoto. He doesnt check kicks and he isnt that great at defending and movement. Sure he has a swingers chance but you cant knock out what you cant hit.
i'll probably go with the underdog in griffin.. the guy has the heart and a good chin to go with his relentless attacking style.. griffin fights are never pretty and he might be long enough or have enough reach to actually move around and pick his spots against machida..
Out of the four my pick would have to be Shogun. Griffin and Evans are simply outclassed by Machida. Rampage has great boxing and heavy hands but I think his style doesn't really match up well with Machida's style. Shogun should have all the skills to be able to beat Machida but I don't know if the current version of Shogun can actually do it.
Thiago Sil... never mind Forrest has a way of wearing guys down, but he also has a knack for getting clipped and taking a lot of shots. Rampage isn't patient enough, he'll either sit back and get picked apart doing nothing, or over commit and get clipped Shogun isn't the same as the one who won the Pride GP and until he looks almost like that isn't a real choice IMO A rematch may be the ONLY way to defeat Machida, so IMO Rashad would have the best shot.
Rashad has nothing to work off of though. He got put through a clinic. There is nothing he can study in that fight. Rampage getting clipped? I don't see it. His chin is straight iron.
Machida will hold the title for quite awhile IMO. No one can compete with him at this point of his career.
2 things come to mind: Stop head hunting, work the body should be something he learned. At least try and go for a takedown at some point. My view is that I don't think anyone will be Machida the 1st time they face him, but in a rematch someone could be more prepaired to face him. ummm not quite. Shogun and Wand were able to put Rampage to rest in PRIDE FC and he was in trouble in the 2nd round vs Forrest as well. Machida can and most likely will at least ring Rampage's bell.
Rampage ate knees from hell from Wandy and broke a rib against Shogun. I don't think Machida has the power of Wandy. The only way I see Machida being able to stop Rampage via KO is punches in bunches. Rampage was in trouble in round 2 against Forrest, but not because of a punch to the jaw.
Watching the fight at the bar, some drunk guy throws this gem out "Lyoto and GSP would be a good fight" Then he kept arguing with me when I told him that GSP aint even close to his weight class.
