UFC 104 Main Event Ends In Controversy; Dana White Promises Rematch

When the main event of UFC 104 went to a decision it was clear that either way the decision went would leave some group of fans upset. It turned out to be a unanimous decision for Lyoto Machida which left a little to be desired for BloodyElbow’s Kid Nate:

The moral of the story? If you want the belt you must knock out the champ.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua fought the perfect fight, formulated the perfect strategy and beat the champ in every way but officially. He refused to let Lyoto control the rhythm of the fight. By taking the lead in the foot work and stalking Machida but forcing the champ to throw first so he could counter. Shogun’s leg and body kicks left Machida staggered and limping. By the late rounds, Machida’s mobility was so compromised that he could do little to force the action.

While others around the site did score the fight for Machida it was clear that a rematch was going to be needed to calm down the fans. And a rematch is exactly what we’ll get. MMA Mania with the news:

“I thought Shogun won the fight,” White remarked at the post-event press conference.

However, White appeared to be a little ticked that both fighters didn’t lay it all on the line in the fifth and final round. That’s because both of their respective corners told them they were ahead on the judges scorecards.

Expect Machida and Shogun to do things much differently in a rematch, which White said would happen “as fast as we can.”

“I believe this will be a good rematch,” he said. “They won’t make the same mistakes next time. Each one will try to win decisively.”

Really it is the last line which carries a lot of weight. Neither fighter “went for it” in regards to a stoppage. And when you let the fight go to the cards you open yourself up to potential disappointment. Here’s hoping for a clear end to the rematch.