Fighting style and popularity
editMachida uses a unique style draws upon elements from his diverse training background.[1] Often described as "elusive", Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes.[2][3][4] Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fighters and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways.[5][6][7] At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is often deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch.[3][5][8] Machida has drawn ire from fans[9][10] and criticism from MMA commentators[11][12] for his limited aggression and stoppage victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don’t like it, sorry. I always try to win. For some that is boring, I know, but I am beating the best in the world."[12]
Machida defied expectations at UFC 94,[10][13] where he earned a Knockout of the Night honor for his first-round stoppage of Thiago Silva. Commentators hailed the knockout as a step in the right direction toward building interest in him as a potential champion. In addition, Machida showcased his improved English skills during interviews for the event, giving him the ability to connect with fans more easily.[14] Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.[15][16][17]
References
edit- ^ Cite error: The named reference
feudswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva at UFC 89". MMAWeekly.com. July 16, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ a b Yu, Al (March 27, 2008). "A Word From the Asian Sensation". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ Rios, Tomas (May 24, 2008). "UFC 84: Animal Kingdom, Starring Sharks, Dragons and...Sporting Goods?". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ a b Hamlin, Tom (February 3, 2009). "Lyoto Machida Finally 'Arrives' at the UFC". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ Sariahmed, Lotfi (January 16, 2009). "Fun and Games Part of the Plan for 'King Mo'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ Strupp, Dan (November 17, 2008). "Rich Franklin open to rematch with Lyoto Machida, "TUF" coaching gig". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ Rossen, Jake (January 27, 2009). "UFC 94-Cast". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
fatewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Breen, Jordan (February 01, 2009). "UFC 94 Analysis: On Prominence and Possibility". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "UFC 84 recap: Penn defends, Silva demolishes, Ortiz frustrated". MMAJunkiecom. May 25, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ^ a b Leidecker, Tim (January 27, 2009). "Someone Has to Lose in 'Battle of Brazil'". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 13, 2009. Cite error: The named reference "battle" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Hunt (February 02, 2009). "St. Pierre Earns $400K for Penn Pummeling". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|First=ignored (|first=suggested) (help) - ^ Thomas, Luke (February 03, 2009). "UFC 94 Winners and Losers". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Parry, Chris (Janurary 31, 2009). "Lyoto Machida: It's crunch time for UFC's Karate Kid". VancouverSun.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Meltzer, Dave (May 21, 2009). "Lyoto Machida could make big name". MMAJunkie.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
- ^ Sloan, Mike (January 2, 2008). "New Year's Reverie: Finally!". Sherdog.com.com. Retrieved 2009-02-12.