UFC 104; uproar over Machida decision – or Shogun got robbed

The last UFC gala showcasing Machida’s first title defense as a LHW champion was anything but predictable and satisfying, as the two top bouts brought their share of controversy with regards to refereeing.

Beginning with the LHW championship fight between Machida and Rua, all statistical reports available point to a win by Rua. Some bloggers (especially Machida fans) have argued that watching the replay of the bout without the sound on (e.g. without Joe Rogan’s comments) confirms the UD given to Machida. This might only confirm whether their mute button functions properly.

It is important to state that the fight didn’t yield a lot of offensive action from both fighters, though more from Rua, making Machida appear to be avoiding slightly more than initiating action. Having said that, when a bout goes the distance, judges revert to the ten-point must system, based on the following criteria: effective aggressiveness, effective technique, cage/ ring control, defense / escapes. Though it is obvious that Rua didn’t throw any real kicks and punches that could have ended the bout, he threw many more kicks than his opponent, pushed the action for the vast majority of those five rounds and directed Machida towards the periphery of the cage to improve his angling and combinations. Machida landed more body strikes. According to that set of criteria (no judgment about its relevance, simply following it: http://www.fightmetric.com/fights/Machida-Shogun.html), Shogun should have been awarded the win. Had it been a split decision for either fighter, it would have created a small commotion. A unanimous decision effectively sent the blogoshpere ablaze.

Days after 104, Machida was operated for bone fragment removal around the wrist area, requiring a six week convalescence period. This will also afford time to recuperate from Rua’s devastating leg kicks. The UFC wishes to set up a re-match as quickly as possible to clear things up. It is expected that Machida’s time away from training will delay that from happening until early in the New Year. According to MMA Mania, the only medical suspension following that bout went to Lyoto Machida, 60 days without contact, for upper lip laceration. Salaries were $200,000 (no win bonus) going to Machida and $155,000 for Rua.

HW Cain Velasquez and Ben Rothwell’s bout proved that Velasquez’ biggest challenge still remained Kongo. Rothwell looked downright awful. Again, Velasquez’ inability to adequately finish his opponent indicated that he might actually be a bit small for larger and more athletically inclined potential fighters such as Carwin, Lesnar and Gonzaga. Interestingly, discord ensued about the way the fight was stopped (the referee stopped it as Rothwell was still going full tilt at the “all-you-can-eat punches” buffet served up by Velasquez, AND getting back up to his feet, while pressed against the cage). It is very safe to assume that Rothwell would have continued getting mauled for the remainder of the bout had the fight not been stopped when it did. It also highlights, again, Velasquez’ lack of punching power.

After having witnessed this outcome a few times before in Velasquez’ case, he might want to consider reverting to grappling as a fight ending strategy instead of punches. There’s no shame for a wrestler to submit his opponents, though the UFC brass obviously prefers strikes and KO’s (it’s a wonder the UFC gives Submission of the Night bonuses, given the unstoppable appetite for punches by fans and, directly, the organization’s promoters. Demand-driven spectator sports, especially in times of amazing expansion (as it is the case for MMA), are expected to produce highlight reels. And for MMA, popular opinion has KO’s ranking the highest on the list, an outcome that isn’t always feasible). As long as some fighters continue to privilege their boss’ satisfaction over effective strategizing (i.e. not winning in a manner suiting the dynamics of the bout or one’s abilities), spectators will continue to witness fights where Gurgel, Sherk, Velasquez, etc. will prefer to fight using their fists. A true shame but indicative of the overwhelming popularity, and visual power, of KOs. Moreover, it can’t hurt that UFC promoters wish for short fights to increase the number of televised bouts during UFC events.  Salaries for that fight were of $70,000 (including a $35,000 win bonus) for Velasquez and $50,000 for Rothwell. Following the event, Rothwell was suspended 60 days without contact, for right eyebrow laceration.