Remember when Machida ducked Shogun after their Really Close Fight?

Oh wait, that's right. Neither do I.

Because Machida is a man of strong character.






After his controversial 5-round battle with Shogun Rua - a title defense, where Lyoto held onto the belt - did he demand that Shogun "work his way back up" first?

Did he try to wrangle with Dana, using his position as Champion as leverage?

Nope. He chose instead, to act like a Champion. He faced the challenge.

Machida isn't a guy who just talks about things like Respect, and Honor.

He actually means them.










PAID FOR BY MACHIDA FOR PRESIDENT



.

 

Spoiler

"Jon, we need to talk about your hespect."
"Lyoto... don't try and ruin my special night and make me guillotine you again."

 

Only when they were short-notice offers. Machida fully admits he needs a full training camp to take a real shot at Jones. He has also said if he wins the belt and defends for awhile at MW then he'd like to take another crack at him.

 

The two situations seemed too similar not to point out. Both were undefeated LHW Champions. Both fought a title defense, where the other guy took it to him in a 5-round war. Both fights were successful title defenses, yet highly controversial, with many people thinking the 'loser' won. The glaring difference is in how both men reacted to this unresolved challenge to their belt.

 

In Jones' defense, the Machida vs. Shogun fight was considered a robbery whereas the Jones vs. Gus fight is considered really close but that the right guy won (this of course isn't a categorical opinion, but it is the most believed one).

Those said, Jones shouldn't pick and choose his opponents, maybe in rare circumstances, but in this instance, he should just fight Gus.

 

I agree with you for the most part, but Jones is a special case. It's like trying to figure out how to beat up an octopus, or one of those Avatars. I can't blame any challenger for wanting to be 100%.