I can no longer bad mouth Lyoto Machida

[BlackMagicPanther]

For the MMA fans here, you know there are plenty of fighters out there that can frustrate you. For me, Lyoto has been the guy who got my blood boiling. He has always had the skill, and I loved watching him make Tito look like an idiot. But, he has pretty much been a point fighter ever since he stepped into MMA. Given his karate background, it's understandable, but it's not what I lay $45 down a month for.

So, last night I was looking for Thiago to knock his block off, what i got instead was a Lyoto with some killer instinct. It's about freaking time.

[ItalianStallion]

I compleltley agree...last nite I was waiting for that killer instinct from thiago but lyoto showed up and dominated...he had that ko we have been waiting for n for wat is worth he should get crack at title v Evans .. He will keep it for awhile...atleast until a different silva fights him...Anderson!!!!

[torofuerte]

Hahahaha, it was about time indeed. But I think it has more to do with Thiago being aggressive enough to completely fall into Lyoto's trap. Lyoto won't chase you; he'll get you to chase him, to attack him, to turn even the most minuscule mistake in the attack into an opportunity to counter-attack.

I think this might be the only time in a while that we will see Lyoto knocking the crap out of someone. Fighters will know not to so recklessly chase him wilts they walk their faces into his fists. People might deride him from being a "conservative" fighter, doing whatever it takes to win (be it by points or whatever) while minimizing damage.

But we got to give it to him that he is one hell of a counter-punching tactician. Would love to see Lyoto vs Thiago #2.

[tidalwave]

That was a great fight. I'm always pumped when skill and sharpness overcomes brawling. Bravo, Karate Kid!