Nah, revisionist history. Machida was at his apex, even from a basic physique check that is so often used here. He was coming off the Mousasi win where he looked great and was billed as the most dangerous guy possible for Chris (a wrestling killer finally at his proper weight class). Their fight was a year before USADA, 2 years before his DHEA bust.
In terms of any champ facing killers... yeah you'd hope, but then again post a SPECIFIC 9-fight strength of schedule HARDER than what Chris had. Use any division/any time period in the whole sport. No one in this thread is posting an alternative.
Big Hendo fan and obviously his career-long strength of schedule was fucking insane (possibly GOAT for a career as a whole)... but which 9 consecutive fights tops Weidman's last 9?