Jackson may try and rush Lyoto early, to trap him into a slug fest because of his power, but I don’t believe he’ll be able to do that successfully. Look at how ineffective he was against Forrest G. Lyoto is simply too slippery, which would be wasted effort on Jackson’s part if he fails and could potentially gas him in the later rounds. The better game plan is to take Machida down, and grind on him for several rounds, wear him down by dominating the top position. Alot of people are in love with the guard, but there is still a lot to be said for being on top, using your weight to push the other guy down, deliver damage to his head and ribs, and ear.

I gotta say I told you so.

Lyoto has matured in his comfortableness within the octagon, and this fight is simply evidence of that. I am not sure I whole heatedly agree with Rogan’s comments about how this has ushered in a new era to the sport. Strikers have been making a comeback for a while now. Not brawlers, STRIKERS. It’s just that there was such a heavy stigma placed on them in the early days, because so many of them lacked the fundamentals neccesary to prevent the take down, or to be comfortable on the ground. That at least I can agree with Rogan on.

Lyoto’s defense of his title aught to be rather interesting, as I believe it’s set to be against Quinton Jackson? (Correct me if I’m wrong.) Expect to see Quinton try and ground and pound against Lyoto, as he simply doesn’t have the technique to deal with Lyoto’s kicks. If Jackson can neutralize Machida on the ground, he has a good chance of success. Ala’ Round #1 of the Dan Henderson vs. Anderson Silva fight. Henderson won the first round, despite losing the fight.

Not that I’m saying Lyoto is going to lose, because frankly I think he’s going to be sitting in that seat for a while to come… whether or not Joshy Crispy (through proxy voice of Ol’ Ms. Thank you.) Thinks “dat boy a bitch”.