Lyoto Machida Knocks out Rashad Evans
by Trent "Kuma" Warner
On Saturday night, May 23, 2009, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena the Ultimate Fighting Championship's light heavyweight title match between Lyoto Machida (Challenger) and Rashad Evans (Champion) was held.
I was excited about the opportunity for Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida to have an opportunity to become light heavy weight champion.
The beginnings of my warrior training journey started with and are founded in Karate. So, it has been exciting to see a MMA fighter combine these skills and apply them in the octagon.
At the same time, I have enjoyed watching "Sugar" Rashad Evans battle his way through to become the light heavy weight champion. He grows with each fight and becomes better and more focused.
The battle between these two warriors started out slow and methodical, much like a chess match. But this pace would be quickly ramped up by Machida. He exploded out of the methodicalness with a round house kick to Rashad Evans head.
He continued to keep Rashad Evan's at a distanced with quick, powerful Karate style kicks. Then at the end of the round he move in to take Rashad to the mat and simply ran out of ring. The first round ended with Machida controlling Evans against the cage.
Machida was the aggressor in the second round. Although Rashad Evans made attempts to return the fury that was unleashed on him, he just couldn't penetrate Lyoto Machida's defenses.
Midway into the second round, "The Dragon" Lyoto Machida began an to unleash a flurry with precision and accuracy. At 3:57, his electrifying attack lead to him knocking out the reigning champ "Sugar" Rashad Evans.
After the match dazed Evans summed up the fight when he said "Lyoto came out and was difficult to solve."
Over all I enjoyed this fight. I was unsure of the outcome going in, but I am thrilled that Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida is the new UFC Light Heavy Weight Champion.
Below is a link to a great picture I found of the knockout, along with the post fight interview with Machida.
Machida Knockout of Evans Picture
