Machida: I wouldn’t prefer Rampage at UFC 123
Quinton Rampage Jackson will not be Lyoto Machida’s first choice opponent if the pair meets, as expected, at UFC 123 lines.
On November 20, Machida will reportedly meet Jackson. The UFC has plenty of time for a rethink, with the bout yet to be confirmed. With both men coming off high-profile defeats, for their respective careers, a second loss for either man would be damaging.
After suffering the first loss to Mauricio Shogun Rua at UFC 113, Machida, former champion is battling to get back to the top of the food chain. In the first round of that title defense, the Black House fighter was knocked out, and he admits it is Shogun, not Rampage, who he wants to meet next.
Machida said, “Of course, I would like to face Shogun again. Nevertheless, I find it difficult at this time, Shogun is injured and the promotion might not want to make that fight so soon as it can get very competitive.”
With Rashad Evans the next men to face the champion in 2011, taking Shogun out of the equation. Machida’s unorthodox skill set very nicely and would suit him, if the clash were against the fellow former champ, admits Machida. Machida is responsible for the shattering knockouts of Wanderlei Silva and Chuck Liddell. It will be a stiff test for Machida, following the loss to Shogun, to face Jackson, a come-forward fighter.
Machida said, “I think Quinton Jackson would be the ideal guy for me. A guy who was champ and among the best. He is a great opponent, a very tough guy. I have a great respect for him as does everyone else but I would like to test my technique against him. It sure would be a tough fight; he is a fighter who has been the champion. But I believe a lot in my work.”
