UFC 113: Machida vs Shogun Recap and Discussion

After entertaining the local crowd in Abu Dhabi, Ultimate Fighting Championship traveled to Montreal, Canada, for the first time since UFC 97: Redeption in April of 2009. UFC 113 was held at the 21,000-capable Bell Center, headlined by the anticipated UFC 104 rematch between Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Possible number one Welterweight contender fight between the veteran Josh Koscheck and the knockout machine Paul Daley served as the co-main event of the night.

Alan Belcher power-bombs his way through Patrick Cote

The event started with the return of the former UFC Middleweight title challenger, Patrick "The Predator" Cote, against the kickboxer Alan Belcher. The fight promised fireworks and it truly delivered. Cote showed no signs of ring rust due to the long layoff, controlling the pace against Belcher during the first round. "The Talent" responded with good kick combos, keeping Cote at the distance. The fight came to the controversial ending when Alan Belcher illegally (or not) slammed Patrick Cote on his face, causing the Canadian to lose his consciousness for a second. Belcher did not need any special invitation to capture Cote's back and finish "The Predator" with a vicious Rear Naked Choke.

Alan Belcher (improved his record to 16-6) declared at the end of the fight that he wants to face Anderson Silva, but he may well know that despite having "The Talent", he is far from the #1 Contender spot for the UFC Middleweight title. Alan Belcher is definitely in the mix, but he is still two or even three fights away from the shot at the title.

Mitrione dominates Kimbo Slice-by-Slice

Later, Kimbo Slice made his long-anticipated return to the Octagon against the fellow TUF 10 participant Matt Mitrione. Despite Kimbo's constant improvement, it was Matt Mitrione who dominated the fight showing impressive MMA versatility. Mitrione punished Kimbo Slice with lethal kicks and submission attempts, straight from the school of the world-famous Jeff "Duke" Roufus. Kimbo's one-dimensional striking and a somehow effective striking had nothing against Mitrione's versatility, forcing Dan Mirgliotta to stop the fight in the second round.

What's next for Kimbo? 1-0 Matt Mitrione was a perfect opponent for Kimbo Slice, who will probably move to Fight Night or UFC on Versus' main cards. The fight against Mostapha Al-Turk or even Anthony Perosh (who was awarded a four-fight contract in the UFC), would be Kimbo's last opportunity to save his UFC career. As for Matt Mitrione, the "Meathead" is still 2-0 MMA and will have to wait for a suitable opponent with an equally humble record.

Stephens outpowers the local kid Sam Stout

Jeremy Stephens earned a somehow controversial Split Decision victory over the Canadian Sam Stout, who was by far the more aggressive fighter during the bout. Jeremy Stephens was the more effective fighter damage-wise, using his heavy hands to punish Stout during the fight. Lil' Heathen earned the Fight of the Night award, but is far from being in the mix for the UFC Lightweight title. The fight against Ross Pearson is probably something every MMA fan would love to see, as the winner will clearly solidify his place as contender in the Lightweight division.

Koscheck keeps his cool, as Daley goes Strikeforce

At the co-main event of the evening, Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley ended long months of trash talking, inside The Octagon. Heavy-handed "Semtex" Daley chased Koscheck around the Octagon, looking to knockout the veteran, who had other plans for the Brit. Koscheck dominated Paul Daley with his superior Wrestling, completely eliminating his striking game. Koscheck won the well-deserved Unanimous Decision, winning the TUF 12 coaching spot and the shot at George St. Pierre's UFC Welterweight title. Josh Koscheck is the toughest opponent GSP could get from the UFC Welterweight division, and probably a good coach to watch on TUF 12.

As for Paul Daley’s post-fight outburst, the only man he hurt is himself. I am not sure if Dana White will kick Paul Daley out of the UFC for that miserable incident, but he may find himself fined or/and fighting at the prelims. Paul Daley has still plenty to improve as a Mixed Martial Artist, but I suggest him to concentrate on his maturity first.

The Dragon is slayed

It’s main event time, and Machida vs Shogun answered on all expectations. Mauricio Rua showed everyone that he is not afraid to stand and bang with the Shotokan black belt, chasing Lyoto Machida around the Octagon. Shogun tried to take down Machida, but it was “The Dragon” who delivered the takedowns. Shogun quickly realized that beating Machida using his striking is the only option, as he knocked out ‘The Dragon” out cold during the striking exchange in the middle of the first round.

It is not that Lyoto Machida is not as good as he was before. The truth is that Lyoto Machida can still beat anyone (including Shogun) in the UFC Light Heavyweight division, Shogun Rua showed an importance of being in the right mental condition, that helped him to perfectly execute his gameplan. UFC 113 was probably the missing 6th round at UFC 104, to determine who is the true UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Shogun will defend his title against either Rashad Evans or Rampage Jackson, as Machida will wait for the outcome of Jones vs Matyushenko and Ryan Bader’s fight to determine who will be his next opponent.

UFC 113 was held at the sold-out Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Next Ultimate Fighting Championship event will be UFC 114: Jackson vs Evans, taking place on May 29th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photos: Tracy Lee via cagewriter.com