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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
After the controversial decision laid down at UFC 104 last October, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was intent on not letting his rematch against Lyoto Machida go to a decision at UFC 113 in Montreal.
While the first fight was a back and forth technical affair for five rounds, Shogun caught Machida in the first round of their main event rematch and knocked him out cold to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
The round started off with Shogun coming forward, and both fighters got in some good offense in the early going. Machida even took Shogun down twice in the first few minutes, after the first fight didn't even hit the ground. It didn't matter, however, as Shogun wouldn't let Machida even win one round on this night, and he dropped the now former Champion with a right to the side of the head.
The former Pride superstar immediately pounced and landed a vicious string of blows on the ground to finish Machida on the ground. It was the first time Machida has tasted defeat.
An exuberant Shogun was all smiles as he had the belt placed around his waist, and he effectively righted the wrong that was laid down with October's decision.
Shogun now likely awaits the winner of Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, coming later this month, as the TUF 10 coaches and former Champions are likely next in line with a victory over the other.
Penick's Analysis: That was an incredible fight out of Shogun, who rolled with the punches Machida sent his way, handled the takedowns by getting back to his feet and returned to being the Shogun fans were expecting when he entered the UFC in 2007. I will happily admit I was wrong about him coming into this fight, and he may now begin a reign in the 205 lb. division that doesn't end after one or two fights. Awesome performance out of the new Champion, and I can't wait to see him fight again.
-Make sure to join us for our two hour MMATorch Livecast Sunday Conversation from 2-4PM ET on Sunday on BlogTalkRadio.com/mmatorch, as we will break down the entire UFC 113 card as well as run down the week in MMA, taking your calls and emails throughout the show.
RELATED STORY: UFC 113 RESULTS: Penick's live on-going coverage of Machida vs. Shogun II event: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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