The Takedown Defense of Lyoto Machida

[a guy]

There are three main fundamentals in fighting

 

[a guy]

What really needs to be appreciated about Machida’s kicks is his timing. He doesn’t just try to blast his opponents, he tries to sneak his leg in through the smallest openings. His knockout of Dollaway is a perfect example. Dollaway spent the entire fight trying to circle away from Machida’s left side, hoping to negate that kick. As he circled, he kept his right hand high and was constantly pawing with his left. Every time his left hand came out, he made sure his right was up in position to block or parry. It took Machida about a minute of fighting to pick up on the rhythm of his steps and find the timing for his kick. He exploded at the perfect moment:

Spoiler

At the exact moment that Dollaway extends his lead arm, Machida begins his kick. Look at Dollaway’s back foot. Machida times this just as Dollaway is pivoting, but has stepped outside Dollaway’s lead to cut him off. This means that Dollaway is not circling away from the power, he’s just turning in place while remaining in the arc of the kick. If he had planted while Dollaway’s lead foot was in motion, Dollaway might have been able to step out far enough to take some heat off the kick. Finally, notice the extended lead hand of Machida. This draws out the right arm of Dollaway, who turns his palm forward to catch the punch that isn’t coming. His defense with his right hand actually removes his right elbow from his torso, which gives Machida just enough space to kick up into his ribs and take him out. Notice the sharp upward angle, and how the planted heel leaves him balanced enough to kick his foot free when Dollaway scoops it.

Even opponents who don’t get taken out by his kicks can still find themselves in trouble. One of Machida’s most dangerous attacks is a rear straight off his rear body kick.

Rashad lifts his lead leg and turns it inside to check while reaching wildly with his arms. He clearly wasn’t prepared to defend the kick, but still managed to take it on the arms. However, left immobile and off balance, he eats a sharp straight that puts him on his ass. Machida lands this punch against almost everyone he fights. It allows him to close distance unexpectedly while occupying the guard of the opponent and ensuring that their head remains in the center.

Now, in an article that’s supposed to be about his TDD, we’ve spent almost no time talking about his TDD. That’s because, just like I explained in my breakdown of Jose Aldo, Machida’s incredible anti-wrestling is impossible to separate from his striking. The two elements of his game are so fluidly blended that one cannot be understood fully without the other. The elements of his striking that we’ve discussed enable his wrestling defense—specifically his angles, his distance and his balance.

Machida’s approach to TDD is extremely simple. He gets hit hips back, pivots hard and digs for an underhook, forcing the opponent to attempt a clinch then pushing them off:

Spoiler

Tito rushes forward. Machida changes levels and drops his hips back, underhooks with his right arm and pivots to his right. By getting out of the path of Tito’s momentum, Machida is able to easily disengage. It’s simple, it’s basic, and it’s extraordinarily effective. Machida’s opponents will almost never get a hold of his legs. By controlling distance so effectively, he forces his opponents to initiate their grappling from too far away. This gives him plenty of time to react, get low and kill shots before they become threatening by turning out of the way. You’ll almost never see Machida perform a full sprawl because you’ll almost never see someone come anywhere close to controlling his hips. His method of defense allows him to keep the fight standing and return to distance as quickly as possible—notice that he throws Tito into the cage and circles back to the center.

This approach is especially effective because Machida is strong and skilled in the clinch. He forces opponents to engage him there instead of allowing them to attack his lower body. Despite his reputation as a striker, Machida is actually quite capable of taking his opponents down from the clinch.

Using his underhook to off balance Hendo and force his weight onto his right leg, Machida suddenly wrenches Hendo towards that side while sweeping the foot. Notice his left foot—he kicks low on Hendo’s leg and hooks with his instep to maximize his leverage and ability to lift the leg out of position. Turning and falling to that side as he does so, he takes Hendo off his feet.

Spoiler

From kicking distance, Machida snaps out a front kick. Tito tries to follow the kick back, but as he comes in Machida changes levels and quickly pummels for underhooks on both sides. As soon as he does, he clasps his hands and starts driving Tito back and to his right (Tito’s left). Tito steps back with his left leg for balance and attempts to whizzer with his right arm, but Machida manages to step his left leg behind Tito’s right as he changes directions. He uses his left arm to pull and right arm to lift, dragging Tito to the ground as he blocks Tito’s leg with his knee.
However, it isn’t always possible for him to get the underhooks. When an opponent times their shot particularly well, he may be forced to vary his defense slightly.

Spoiler

Davis extends his lead hand and his head comes slightly forward. Machida sees the opening, and times it with a quick left straight. Davis reacts well and slips it, then ducks under the followup right hand. As he changes levels under the punches, he reaches out and gets a loose grip on each of Machida’s legs. Machida immediately begins turning, preventing Davis from controlling his rear leg. As he pivots, he quickly overhooks with his right arm and uses that overhook to lift Davis’ left arm off his leg. Simultaneously, he frames with his left arm across Davis’ neck and chest, forcing Davis’ head away from his ribs. Davis gives up on the double and throws an uppercut. Despite good timing by Davis, Machida is able to adjust quickly to kill his positioning for the shot before it ever becomes truly threatening. His excellent footwork is the key to this.

The most amazing thing about Machida’s defense is that he can initiate it at any time. He’s always balanced enough to defend, even when kicking.

Spoiler

Backed against the cage, Machida leads with a left kick to the body. Weidman attempts a basic block and scoop counter, where the goal is to block the kick with the right arm while reaching to scoop it across your body with the left arm. The kick slips underneath his elbow, but he still manages to perform the scooping parry. Machida, maintains excellent balance even as his leg as dragged across his body, just like he did when Dollaway attempted the same defense. Weidman doesn’t go down though. He switches grips, passing the leg to his right hand. He essentially attempts to double off a head outside single, but as his left hand is going for the right leg of Machida, Machida underhooks with his right arm then turns to kill the double. Weidman still has the left leg though and a strong angle, and he reaches deep enough to get the crook of his elbow around the back of Machida’s knee. He clasps his hands together despite the underhook and attempts to turn the corner in an effort to come up into a single and salvage his shot. Machida finally manages to square his hips and take away the angle, which allows him to crossface Weidman and break that grip. Weidman is forced to abandon his shot and stands up with his back now pinned against the cage.

That entire sequence is an incredible display of skill from both men. It was one of my favorite moments from what proved to be an amazing title fight. It isn’t even my favorite example of Machida’s TDD though. This is:

Spoiler

Machida springs in with his signature leaping knee. Davis times it well and gets his arms nearly locked around Machida’s legs. As usual, Machida immediately pivots hard. With that pivot, he gets his left leg back just far enough to create space for his left arm to pummel in and underhook. As he is doing this, Davis is already adjusting for his pivot. Davis steps his left leg outside Machida’s right, attempting an outside trip (which he used to get Machida down in the first round previously). He doesn’t have the right grips for it though, and Machida uses his underhook to change directions and muscle Davis around, instead of being forced back over his trapped leg. He throws Davis down to his knees, uses his forearms to maintain space as he keeps his hips back, then misses a knee as Davis returns to his feet and backs off.

Even when basically giving his hips on a silver platter, Machida is able to transition fluidly into his defense and remain standing. His control of distance and timing make it almost impossible to get a good shot on him in the first place, and his outstanding ability to change angles, strong clinch work and exceptional balance make him extremely difficult to take down even when his opponents have a great entry because of how easily he disrupts their positioning. Machida truly illustrates the importance of fundamentals for anyone trying to develop a complete mixed martial arts game.

 

[Jukai]

Spoiler

 

[a guy]

Spoiler

Hahaha Jukai I dedicate this thread to you

 

[Jukai]

Hahaha Jukai I dedicate this thread to you

And you did a fantastic job of it. A detailed focus on one of the least talked about features of my favorite fighter? I'll read it twice.

It really was a great read. I just don't know the grappling anywhere near as much as the striking (never done it) and sometimes the way Lyoto is able to square his hips from the most awkward positions, or magically have underhooks, it looks downright mystical at times. Having a real detailed breakdown of what he is doing is damned refreshing, better than the usual "secure his balance, pivot, control the head and push out" keywords you usually see, as if it was that easy.

Nothing to even add. Was very happy to see you comment on Lyoto's habit of stepping one direction, and then quickly moving the other direction by pushing off on the foot that took the step. To my knowledge, he is the only fighter that does that and it confused the hell out of guys like Tito and Randy.

 

[DaGenius]

He did not give Jon bones a tough time. The rest of his opponents I would say he did. Just had to be said.

 

[a guy]

And you did a fantastic job of it. A detailed focus on one of the least talked about features of my favorite fighter? I'll read it twice.

It really was a great read. I just don't know the grappling anywhere near as much as the striking (never done it) and sometimes the way Lyoto is able to square his hips from the most awkward positions, or magically have underhooks, it looks downright mystical at times. Having a real detailed breakdown of what he is doing is damned refreshing, better than the usual "secure his balance, pivot, control the head and push out" keywords you usually see, as if it was that easy.

Nothing to even add. Was very happy to see you comment on Lyoto's habit of stepping one direction, and then quickly moving the other direction by pushing off on the foot that took the step. To my knowledge, he is the only fighter that does that and it confused the hell out of guys like Tito and Randy.

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it.

Yea I really haven't seen anybody in MMA change directions like Lyoto does. He cuts angles like no other. And it sucks for the people who try to walk him down, because they constantly overcommit or step in the wrong direction. It's so hard to move in at the right distance, the right speed, and right angle all at once against him. Hell, it'd be hard even if he wasn't so good at hitting you while you tried.

The thing that really amazes me though is that he can defend takedowns at any stage. If you duck under his punch, he's ready. If you shoot when he kicks, he's ready. If you push him back then try to shoot, he's ready. The few times he has gone down have all been very impressive displays of wrestling by his opponent--which is to be expected when the only people who manage to get him down are guys like Weidman, Jones and Davis.

 

[a guy]

He did not give Jon bones a tough time. The rest of his opponents I would say he did. Just had to be said.

I'd say he did give Jones a tough time in the first round. Jones has probably never landed less in a round, and the counter left Machida hit him with (you see it in one of the gifs) was probably the hardest punch Jones had been hit with at that point in his career. Jones did figure him out in the second though.

 

[Islam Imamate]

Thanks for the read TS, it was very interesting.

What do you think of the Machida/Rockhold match up? Do you like Machida's chances? As a Machida fan who's pretty worried about it I need to know :redface:

 

[a guy]

Thanks for the read TS, it was very interesting.

What do you think of the Machida/Rockhold match up? Do you like Machida's chances? As a Machida fan who's pretty worried about it I need to know :redface:

No problem!

I don't know about that fight. I mean first of all, who was the last southpaw Machida even fought? The only one I can think of is Franklin like 20 years ago. Rockhold is a pressure fighter and good kicker with reach--the exact worst type of fighter for Machida. But, on the other hand, the last time Rockhold fought another southpaw/striker on Machida's level, he got wrecked by Belfort. And Machida's boxing has been looking much improved recently, specifically his use of his right hand. That could make a big difference, and honestly I doubt Rockhold will be able to walk Machida down easily. I also doubt Machida will run into his counter right hook. Machida should still be the better kicker at range as well. So I am picking Machida, but there are a lot of unknowns here that make me anxious.

 

[wang xiangzhai]

Awesome post, great analysis.

What amazes me of Machida is how low his gravity center usually is, even when striking he often has "his legs under him" so to speak; theres a good "ground path" so he can instantly push up, resist, pivot or whatever maneuver is needed with enough power to defend the TD. It shows why, among other reasons, keeping your "weight down"( or in wrestling terms "heavy hips" , even in the middle of combinations or high speed turning/pivoting, is a great fundamental to have.

There are a few things i dont like about his style but lets save those for another time .

 

[a guy]

Awesome post, great analysis.

What amazes me of Machida is how low his gravity center usually is, even when striking he often has "his legs under him" so to speak; theres a good "ground path" so he can instantly push up, resist, pivot or whatever maneuver is needed with enough power to defend the TD. It shows why, among other reasons, keeping your "weight down"( or in wrestling terms "heavy hips" , even in the middle of combinations or high speed turning/pivoting, is a great fundamental to have.

There are a few things i dont like about his style but lets save those for another time .

Thanks! Agreed 100%, including that I don't like some things. What are you thinking?

 

[wang xiangzhai]

First let me say he

 

[WillW]

Excellent job "A Guy"

Machida and Aldo are 2 ATG's when it comes to TDD in MMA. You did articles on them both.

Who do you have for Rockhold vs. Machida?

 

[a guy]

Yup that's what I think as well. The only thing I would add is that he has limited ability to prevent an opponent from circling towards his lead side, which is why the Davis fight sucked.

 

[Azam]

Excellent read aguy.

Machida's takedown defence is probably the only thing that hasn't changed - his approach is still the same.

Personally I miss the old Lyoto Machida - he was much more Karate orientated then - he still is but you see the new influences which I suppose isn't necessarily a bad thing but I don't think there was anything bad or inferior about his old approach.


Still a great read - I don't like most Machida breakdowns I read the exception being Discipulus and yourself.

I feel like I need to do one specifically from a Karate point of view.


Who's your bet on for Machida vs Rockhold?

I think Machida is on the cusp of slowing down - I feel there may be an upset on the cards especially since Rockhold is completely different to the Rockhold that fought Belfort.


EDIT: It's remarkable though how both Machida & Aldo are always in positions to get underhooks almost immediately when a takedown is attempted. Definitely a must watch for someone who's striking orientated and want's to learn how to avoid being grappled to the ground.

 

[a guy]

Excellent job "A Guy"

Machida and Aldo are 2 ATG's when it comes to TDD in MMA. You did articles on them both.

Who do you have for Rockhold vs. Machida?

Thanks Will. I've been talking about this one forever, finally got around to it haha.

I'm picking Machida, but I think Rockhold is one of the toughest matchups for him at middleweight and wouldn't be surprised if he won.

 

[a guy]

Excellent read aguy.

Machida's takedown defence is probably the only thing that hasn't changed - his approach is still the same.

Personally I miss the old Lyoto Machida - he was much more Karate orientated then - he still is but you see the new influences which I suppose isn't necessarily a bad thing but I don't think there was anything bad or inferior about his old approach.


Still a great read - I don't like most Machida breakdowns I read the exception being Discipulus and yourself.

I feel like I need to do one specifically from a Karate point of view.


Who's your bet on for Machida vs Rockhold?

I think Machida is on the cusp of slowing down - I feel there may be an upset on the cards especially since Rockhold is completely different to the Rockhold that fought Belfort.


EDIT: It's remarkable though how both Machida & Aldo are always in positions to get underhooks almost immediately when a takedown is attempted. Definitely a must watch for someone who's striking orientated and want's to learn how to avoid being grappled to the ground.

I was waiting for you to show up

Thanks man. I personally really like how Machida has looked recently. Even though he lost, I thought his performance against Weidman was excellent. And also, for the purposes of the breakdown, I specifically stayed away from talking about styles because I wanted to emphasize how he has one complete game. Other people have mentioned how it's his sumo base that makes him strong in the clinch and his karate background that gives him his distance and timing. Even if those are true, I wanted to avoid that because what's amazing is how Machida has put it all together. He's found a synergy between the elements of his game.

A breakdown of him from a karate perspective would absolutely be interesting to read though.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen Aldo underhook against a shot. He's more of a pivot and stuff your head guy. What's interesting is the difference in approaches there because of the different strengths of each guy. Machida is great in the clinch, so he goes for underhooks to force his opponents to clinch if they wanna get close to him. However, once he gets taken down, he tends to struggle more to get up. Aldo doesn't like to clinch as much, but his ability to pop up is the best in the sport. So he'll let you get a leg because he's confident that even if you somehow manage to get a hold of both legs or complete the single and take him down, he's gonna land in a position where he can easily pop up and disengage.