By Brennan Ebaugh

Saturday May 8th marks one of the biggest matches of the year for the UFC in what is the 2nd big rematch of the decade.  Everyone following MMA knows by the now of the controversy surrounding the match in what was a lopsided decision for Machida to retain his Light Heavyweight strap.  Many in the crowd seemed to disagree as loud boos echoed throughout the Staples Center, even UFC President Dana White disagreed with the decision, telling Shogun he thought he won the fight.  Thus leaving us where we are today on the eve of Machida vs Shogun the sequel.

This isn’t this first time any of these interesting circumstances have occurred in the UFC.  Rematches are very common when considered marketable, and one only has to look back at such fights as Hamill vs Bisping, and as recent as Penn vs Edgar to see that sometimes the judges have other criteria in mind.  Perhaps most interesting about this fight, however, is its timing and place in the current Light Heavyweight division picture.

Before the first match Lyoto Machida was considered a very heavy favorite, as well as one of the undisputed top 5 pound for pound fighters in the world.  He had just come off a devastating KO of Rashad Evans, as well as a KO of Thiago Silva.  Most people were waiting for his next fight possibly with Anderson Silva.  No one thought much of Shogun, the former Pride star who was submitted by Forrest Griffin and got a title shot over a knockout of Chuck Liddell.

However many were stunned to see a new and improved Shogun, finally healed from his devastating knee injury and ready for battle.  Shogun shocked the world by taking it to Machida.  Although I did not see the fight live I remember my buddy texting me “Dude, Shogun is taking these rounds!” “Dude, fights over Shogun got’s it!”. The next text shocked me when he said “Machida Won, Shogun was robbed”.  I looked online and most analysis seemed to agree, the general consensus was Shogun was robbed.

One could speculate for days what the reason behind the decision was.  The fact remains the result came at a perfect time and perfect circumstance to prompt a rematch, thus ending serious Anderson Silva vs Lyoto Machida talks, as well making time to sort out the shaky Light Heavyweight division.  But the question remains, can Shogun win again?  Even if Machida is victorious will the previous bout forever haunt his reputation?