Mauricio “Shogun” Rua analyzes the UFC 205-pound champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida and explains the stand-up and ground game strategies involved for this October 24th bout. Shogun tells us that he has trained with Machida before and admits that his ground game is a lot better than many think even though he comes from a Karate school. The Dragon is an expert in all fields when it comes to mixed martial arts, but according to Shogun there is one important difference between both fighters. In their stand-up game, Machida uses counter attacks as part of his strategy while Shogun likes to constantly attack inside once he sees the openings. Either way, expect a chess match at the UFC 104 main event as they both prepare for one of the most difficult matches in their MMA careers.
Snip from Mauricio Shogun:
“He comes from the Karate school and I come from the Muay Thai school, but he’s an athlete who gives a lot of knee blows, plenty Muay Thai blows also, which he improved well. I think the big difference is that he likes to fight in counter punching, and I’m the opposite, I like to go inside…He’s a very complete man, good standing, good on the ground, good in Wrestilng… Actually, people say that if I take the fight to the ground I’ll win, but it isn’t like that. He’s very good on the ground, I’ve trained with him, and sometimes that isn’t the solution. Staying on top in the fight may be an advantage, but I have to see it right so that I don’t make the wrong strategy.”
