MMA News Forums » MMA Forums » General MMA Forum

[trustkill]

Originally Posted by dbader08

I was unaware they were fighting. I know Dana mentioned it but I didn't know it was set in stone or anything.

Agreed. I haven't heard anything official about this fight. I could be wrong but I think that all this "talk" about Machida vs Henderson is a strong-arm tactic to get Hendo to agree to the fight.

Henderson risks a lot by fighting Machida, since he was the #1 contender before the injury. I'm guessing that maybe Bones Jones asked for some time off, and UFC needs a #1 contender fight to keep the LHW division fresh (and sell some PPVs).

I think Machida would accept this fight (he may have already agreed to it verbally). Clearly, he's not looking to fight Bones Jones any time soon, otherwise he would have accepted the opportunity to serve as Henderson's injury replacement at UFC 152.

[dbader08]

I agree^

I will basically lose all respect for the UFC if they make Hendo and Machida fight each other and give Sonnen a shot if he beats Forrest..

[K1NG P3NN]

Best believe I'm taking Hendo in this fight. Man has the hardest head in the division, I say he gits beat up a bit, then KO's Machida.

[rivethead]

Originally Posted by Ramma

Machida's striking is better than Jones. From a technical stand point, many fighters in the LHW division have better striking than Jones. However, Jones has incredible reach that makes up for what he lacks thus turning the tide in his favor on the feet.

QFT.

Originally Posted by dbader08

I will basically lose all respect for the UFC if they make Hendo and Machida fight each other and give Sonnen a shot if he beats Forrest..

lollzers at still having respect for the UFC and their title-fight decision-making.

rh

[Kimbo> Rampage]

Machida will finish Dan.... Drop him then get the TKO or sub him...

However Machida's suspect chin, and Dan's huge power could lead to some problems...

I wonder if this fight will actually happen...

Dan was adamant on not taking another fight after he fought shogun, until he got his title shot.

He didnt want to fight Machida, Shogun, or Lil Nog... who previously beat him.

[CtGreat]

Originally Posted by dbader08

^Exactly. Jon Jones does not have the best striking in the LHW division.

Imagine if guys like Shogun and Machida had an 85 inch reach...

Isn't the concept of great striking all about using your tools to your best advantage? People who are naturally faster utilize better technique to make up for their power loss, people who are stronger throw harder shots to make up for their speed deficit, and people who have longer reach utilize their reach to keep their opponents at bay while covering up the holes in their striking game. Technique can't be the only determination of "great" striking, since its common that more technical boxers loose to faster/stronger boxers, and vice versa.

I say that Jones has the best striking in the division because he tools everyone on the feet its that simple. One can hypothesize for days about whether or not his striking would be good if not for his reach advantage, but that requires the assumption that he would fight the same way with smaller arms. Imo the best striker is the one who is most successful at landing significant strikes on their opponent, but thats just my interpretation.

[Kimbo> Rampage]

Originally Posted by CtGreat

Isn't the concept of great striking all about using your tools to your best advantage? People who are naturally faster utilize better technique to make up for their power loss, people who are stronger throw harder shots to make up for their speed deficit, and people who have longer reach utilize their reach to keep their opponents at bay while covering up the holes in their striking game.

I say that Jones has the best striking in the division because he tools everyone on the feet its that simple. One can hypothesize for days about whether or not his striking would be good if not for his reach advantage, but that requires the assumption that he would fight the same way with smaller arms. Imo the best striker is the one who is most successful at landing significant strikes on their opponent, but thats just my interpretation.

Yep... I will say not all tools are created equal... buts its funny how people criticism Jones for using his reach... and then bring up Dan Henderson or Shogun, who constantly get tagged, land one big shot then its over... Having a great chin and big power are weapons as well...

People are also overlooking Jones's wrestling. It has a very similar effect that GSP's does... If his opponents knew he was just going to stand with them the entire fight they would open up more and hesitate less...

Why do you think Machida and Evans were so cautious to engage Jones.... not just because of his striking and reach... but because they knew if they went in too far they could be thrown on their ass and have their face busted open.

[lwbrewer]

Many great points made here, but there is technic to a skill. I don't see the best technic in Jones striking. I do see him using reach to hold other from striking. In the end Jones mix's up many different style of strikes with great TDD to overcome everyone he has faced so far. He may not be the best offensive striker, but with his defense he gets the win.

[rspier]

I'm thinking about shogun/machida... And then Hendo/shogun
I'm thinking about rampage/machida...
I don't see what leads to the belief Hendo gets merked? He probably takes a UD... Or goes to sleep with in the first 3....

[rspier]

By he I mean machida. Just to clarify.