Making a swift comeback to the Octagon, mere months after a horrendous beating at the hands of new title challenger Luke Rockhold, Machida’s decision to compete so soon drew concerned remarks from many in the MMA community. Unfortunately this concern be proven as completely warranted after 12 minutes of action.
Hoping to reply on his speed and counter striking capabilities, Machida started out in the same elusive manner that he always does. Circling his opponent and hoping to find the perfect range, the Brazilian was attempting to set up his famous killer strikes. Romero however was having none of it, and relentlessly pursued ‘The Dragon’, eventually finding his own range deep into the second round.
Dazed after a few well-placed left shots and an aggressive clinch, the end would eventually come for Machida just over a minute into the third frame. Driven down to the mat after an expertly executed knee-tap takedown, the veteran was quickly and violently finished after a flurry of hellacious Romeo elbows separated him from consciousness.
For Romero it was a sweet victory. The Cuban looked outstanding, executing a patient gameplan and managing to avoid any real damage. At 38 years of age time is definitely limited for ‘The Soldier of God’ to make a run for the gold, but based on this performance he figures to be a real handful for just about anyone in the division. Just make sure he stays well away from the mic next time...
Now 1-3 in his last four bouts, and an undesirable 6-7 over the last half decade overall, it appears that Lyoto Machida’s time as an elite competitor has come to an end. Beyond arguably edging the first round on the judge’s scorecards, the Brazilian appeared slow and predictable, a far cry from the destructive form that took him to the light heavyweight title. ‘The Dragon’ will remain a huge name in the sport; a legend who’s surely destined for the UFC’s Hall of Fame, but expect him to fit into the role of middleweight gatekeeper going forward.
UFC Fight Night 70 Main Card Results
Middleweight
Yoel Romero def Lyoto Machida via KO (elbows) in round 3
Welterweight
Lorenz Larkin def Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO (punches) in round 2
Middleweight
Antônio Carlos Júnior def Eddie Gordon via submission (rear naked choke) in round 3
Middleweight
Thiago Santos def Steve Bossé via KO (head kick) in round 1
Featherweight
Hacran Dias def Levan Makashvili via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
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Hoping to reply on his speed and counter striking capabilities, Machida started out in the same elusive manner that he always does. Circling his opponent and hoping to find the perfect range, the Brazilian was attempting to set up his famous killer strikes. Romero however was having none of it, and relentlessly pursued ‘The Dragon’, eventually finding his own range deep into the second round.
Dazed after a few well-placed left shots and an aggressive clinch, the end would eventually come for Machida just over a minute into the third frame. Driven down to the mat after an expertly executed knee-tap takedown, the veteran was quickly and violently finished after a flurry of hellacious Romeo elbows separated him from consciousness.
For Romero it was a sweet victory. The Cuban looked outstanding, executing a patient gameplan and managing to avoid any real damage. At 38 years of age time is definitely limited for ‘The Soldier of God’ to make a run for the gold, but based on this performance he figures to be a real handful for just about anyone in the division. Just make sure he stays well away from the mic next time...
Now 1-3 in his last four bouts, and an undesirable 6-7 over the last half decade overall, it appears that Lyoto Machida’s time as an elite competitor has come to an end. Beyond arguably edging the first round on the judge’s scorecards, the Brazilian appeared slow and predictable, a far cry from the destructive form that took him to the light heavyweight title. ‘The Dragon’ will remain a huge name in the sport; a legend who’s surely destined for the UFC’s Hall of Fame, but expect him to fit into the role of middleweight gatekeeper going forward.
UFC Fight Night 70 Main Card Results
Middleweight
Yoel Romero def Lyoto Machida via KO (elbows) in round 3
Welterweight
Lorenz Larkin def Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO (punches) in round 2
Middleweight
Antônio Carlos Júnior def Eddie Gordon via submission (rear naked choke) in round 3
Middleweight
Thiago Santos def Steve Bossé via KO (head kick) in round 1
Featherweight
Hacran Dias def Levan Makashvili via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
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