Shogun deserves his shot at Machida
Can't we just all get along? Of course not, and that's why Rodney King is not a philosopher. In the search for Lyoto Machida's next opponent was there any choice that was going to make everyone happy? Clearly not.
The UFC was in an odd position with no obvious candidates beyond Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans and Machida to coach on The Ultimate Fighter 10. Once Spike and the promotion decided to go with Evans and Jackson, it left a big hole open for "The Dragon's" next opponent. MMABay broke the story that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was the guy and immediately the bitching ensued. The folks at Cage Potato are livid:
The guy beat up an elderly, gassed Mark Coleman (barely) and an old, on-his-way-into-retirement Chuck Liddell (convincingly). Look at just about anybody’s rankings and you won’t see him any higher than the number five spot. This is the guy they want to get the first crack at the champ who no one is supposed to have a chance against?
Sure. Why not? Who are all the other great candidates to get in there with Machida: Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Luiz Cane or Brandon Vera?
The UFC is essentially fabricating a number one contender here for the sheer sake of convenience. In other words, they’re making the same mistake that boxing made over and over again — a mistake that has helped drive that sport to the fringe of American consciousness.
What mistake? The champ has to fight the No. 1 contender? And who says Jackson is the clear No. 1? Rashad Evans was the champ. He lost to Machida, so does that mean he drops out of the top five? Evans crushed Forrest Griffin to win the title and Griffin beat Jackson. By my count, that means Jackson is at best No. 4. That's unless you consider the fact that Jackson was destroyed by Rua in PRIDE. So wouldn't that make Jackson No. 5?
But for the sake of TV they’re going to pretend someone has earned a shot when they haven’t … So much for the legitimacy of establishing a number one contender.
Pretend?
Rua, on the comback trail from injuries, finished Coleman (who may shock people and beat Stephan Bonnar at UFC 100) and Liddell. He's beaten Jackson, Coleman, Liddell, Alistair Overeem (twice), Kevin Randleman and Ricardo Arona, but he doesn't deserve a shot? Rua, 18-3 with only two losses since 2003, was the No. 1 light heavyweight on many pundit's lists when was signed by UFC, but he doesn't deserve a shot? He loses to Forrest Griffin and wins two more UFC fights and somehow he's not even a candidate for a title shot?
Before everyone runs to the conclusion that Machida will destroy Rua don't forget this is the same Machida who went the distance with Tito Ortiz 12 months ago.
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