Lyoto Machida vs Ryan Bader

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

Ryan Bader is a strong wrestler, while Lyoto Machida is an ultra-precise striker with a tendency to either win by knockout or lose by boring decision. Machida wasn’t being considered for a rematch with Jon Jones, but then after the internet outcry over Shogun Rua’s soft matchup against Brandon Vera, all four fighters in the last two fights will be considered for a title shot. Whoever looks the best while winning gets another shot at Jones. All four have failed once, with Machida having the best round again Jones. Live updates after the jump:[[MORE]]

Round 1: Bader is keeping his distance to start the fight. Machida with a leg kick. Machida with the front kick he used to knock out Couture. Bader swarms and Machida backs up. Bader with a leg kick. Bader needs to quit this striking BS and shoot. He’s not winning this fight on the feet. Leg kick by Bader. Weak. Sick karate kick to the body by Lyoto. Lyoto lands a knee. Bader comes forward and misses. Someone needs to tell Bader he’s a wrestler.

Machida is ripping the front kick regularly. Bader comes in and eats a jab. Lyoto can kick all he wants, because Bader isn’t shooting. Bader finally ties up Machida, but doesn’t do anything with it. Lyoto with the Brazilian jazz hands. Bader is not presenting any threat whatsoever. I thought Bader had a shot at winning this fight, but if he continues to fight like this, he doesn’t have a chance.

Round 2: Bader just threw a kick. Lyoto dodged it and then gave him a look like, come on bra, I’ve been doing karate since I was a child. Don’t come at me with that weak sauce. Bader goes for a superman punch and runs right into a right hand to the face. That’s a concussion for sure. Machida follows him to the ground with two more shots before the ref ends the fight, but Bader was out on his feet.

Machida by Knockout. 

Jesus. I can’t believe Bader’s plan was to box with Lyoto Machida.