UFC 104: So Right, But So Wrong…

Don’t worry, it is perfectly acceptable to question the decision of Machida over Rua.  It is perfectly fine to be upset that they got it wrong.  The Machida crowd is ever so quiet on the day after but the UFC did get one HUGE thing right on Saturday night…more after the jump!

I will talk about the horrible decision of the CSAC’s judges in a bit, but we have to give some props first.

UFC 104′s knockout of the night was not the one that was awarded the money.  It was a very impressive Anthony Johnson that should have received the cash, and would have had he bothered to make weight.  I see it this way, you are a pro athlete and are required to make that limit.  Missing weight should not be an issue.  If you get paid to fight at 170, then make 170!  I don’t understand why that is so hard.  Many of us have had to cut a substantial amount of weight before, the difference is you get paid tons of money to do it!

The decision to award Pat Berry the KO of the Night bonus was the right one.  Now Johnson has to look at that 60,000 worth of weight and wish he had been able to cut more.  Sure, he was injured…  That just means he should have spent more time in the sauna, plastic, or gym…There is no excuse for missing weight.  If you get injured and are unable to make the weight cut then get someone else to step in.  Ask Mackens Semerzier, there are tons of people around that are looking to shock the world on a two weeks notice.

UFC on that one you got it right!  The other, you got very wrong.

Last night I watched the fights with one of The State (Commonwealth, whatever) of Virginia’s referee/ judges.  When the Rua fight ended we both agreed that Rua was going to be crowned Champ, and the Machida hate parade would begin.  Who knew that we were going to be wrong.  When they announced 48-47 I thought to myself, wow that is much closer than I thought.  Then the confused and curious beginning of Llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllyoto began.  Was I the only one who thought even Buffer was surprised?

There is no way to fix this.  You can give Rua an immediate rematch but what happens when Machida spends the next two months in the gym preparing for the leg kicks?  It is assumed that Machida will find some sort of answer and be able to get back to his game, but if the Rua of old is indeed back he could prove it with a ANOTHER victory over Machida.

Lyoto, your riddle may be answered.  Your Karate stand opens you up for leg kicks.  A racecar without tires can’t turn, and a fighter without legs can’t dance.

Picture from UFC.com