Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis

(Click Here for the score sheet)

Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis was a very close fight between two top UFC Light heavyweights. Coming into the fight the question was whether or not Phil Davis could put Lyoto on his back, or if Machida would take control with his evasive striking. After the fight, the questions became solely about whether you thought Davis earned the decision. I simply did not.

Round 1: Machida 10-9
The first round consisted mostly of Davis moving well and throwing ineffective punches and kicks. Machida took the centre of the cage though and slipped and blocked the attacks while launching much more effective, if rarer, striking attacks of his own. I scored damage from a Machida head kick that landed and staggered Davis against the cage. It did not prove lasting, but was there nonetheless. Davis' takedown was not a factor as he could not advance position or land effective strikes.

Round 2: Davis 10-9
In round 2 Davis came out moving very well, better than the first. He was able to land with more accuracy, but not much greater effect. His movement did change the nature of control for the fight though. In this round Davis took the centre or shared it, as well as throwing the first strike more often and moving Machida backward. I think Machida won the striking standing, by a fair margin, but Davis was able to land effective ground and pound after he got his takedown. The grappling marks were awarded based on Davis pressing Machida against the cage, and Machida getting up from the takedown.

Round 3: Machida 10-9
In the third round Machida's striking came to a head. He was able to land hard kicks and rapid punching combinations throughout. Davis started strong, again with his movement, but could not  sustain his attacks, or succeed in them. This was the least competitive, and gave Machida a strong finish.