UFC 104 Result Photos: Machida vs Shogun Rua fight outrage

October 25, 4:06 PMAEG Events ExaminerSusana Capra

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UFC 104 hit Staples Center at L.A. Live Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 in a battle for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Machida was victorious retaining his Championship belt, in what many saw as an upset. Both natives of Brazil, Shogun battled and undoubtedly gave the champion, Machida, more than he was bargaining for. At the end of the five rounds, both Machida and Shogun threw there hands up in the air, to celebrate. The sold out Staples Center, stood, waiting for the match's decision. It seemed obvious to many that Shogun Rua had a killer fight, making the Champion, Machida, look vulnerable and bloody. 

Then the verdict was read, Machida would win in a 48-47 score from the judges. Shogun along with the stomping crowd stood shocked as Dana White handed Machida back his championship belt. The crowd, who had chanted "Machida, Machida, Machida" as the first round began booed the final decision. The fans were intensely into the fight, erupting in a roar at any punch or kick and booing the moment the fight slowed down. It seemed obvious, to most, except for the judges, that Shogun seemed to be in total control. What it may come down to though is this fight was close, absolutely an even match. One round to Machida, one to Shogun, there was no evident winner. This was for the Championship afterall, and if you are going to become the Champion by decision, it may as well be more definite than 1 point. Both fighters seemed to enter the octagon with a strategy set in stone, every punch was precise and neither seemed to go full throttle. Each fighter, so skilled, the other did not dare dive in to get counter attacked. This left the match to go five full rounds, something Machida and Shogun hoped would not happen. 

Ridiculous? Robbed? Rematch? Whatever the outcome, Shogun had a good battle and "unbeatable" Machida is going to have to truly prove himself in his next fight. If we're lucky his next fight will be against Shogun, once again and that time, I have a feeling, the octagon won't be so clean. 

With many bouts throughout the night, the main event hit the stage around 9pm with Lyoto Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua coming face to face in the octagon. For a full run down of the fight, details, fighter quotes and more, check out the full PHOTO STORY below. 

UFC 104 - Machida vs Shogun - Light Heavyweight Championship - October 24, 2009 - Staples Center

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (204.5 lbs, 6'1'') enters the center stage with his team. He seemed focused and pumped. 

Shogun does his last check before entering the Octagon to face the #1 Light Heavyweight, Machida. He hugged his team in an emotional moment before he entered the "no exit" zone of the octagon. 

Lyoto Machida (202.5 lbs, 6'1'') then entered the arena, stern and focused. Fans yelled his name and took photos as he passed. He did not turn his head or flinch. He was there for one thing - Shogun Rua. 

Shogun and his wildly excited team cheer as he is formally announced to Staples Center and PPV viewers. It was obvious Shogun's entourage was excited for the fight, and they had a reason to be. 

The horn blew and the fight was on. It was clear that strong kicks and swift knees would be the most repeated tactic. Machida took the first opportunity knocking Shogun right in the stomach and edge of his ribs with a knee

 Shogun continuously attempted to strike with his feet ending in damaging contact a few times. Machida is a swift mover, dodging kicks in order to dodge a loss. When Shogun seemed stuck or simply saw an opening his threw his trained and recovered knee out, thrusting a kick towards Machida. Often times these theatrical kicks ending with a spin, adding some ballet to the scene.  To get the feel of just how many times Shogun threw his bulging leg out, take a look at the series below. 

The constant attack from the feet, left Machida visibly bruised and reddened on his rib area, but not nearly enough to slow him down. 

Machida, dodging Shogun's attacks was able to counter his challenger. He was just as quick with his feet also leaving Shogun with redding and wounds on his stomach area. 

In Round 3, Machida threw his hands out like a windmill and went for a quick attack leaving Shogun against the octagon fence. The challenge was not detrimental to Shogun who squeezed himself out of it after properly protecting his face. 

 Machida continued to put pressure on with his knees. This seemed like it was most damaging to Shogun even though it did not phase him once he was back up. 

Shogun was still bouncing around with energy as it seemed Machida had slowed down a bit. Shogun took advantage.  Throwing strong punches, one made contact to the front of Machida's face which left him bleeding a bit but not visibly rattled (first photo below)

Machida looks awkardly frightened in this moment. Perhaps simply a facial expression frozen...

Or maybe it was because this was about to happen....

Machida was able to get that same fearful expression out of Shogun at moments as well. The judges scored the fight incredibly close, with only a fine line to keep the championship belt around Machida's waist. Two of the three judges, Cecil Peoples and Marcos Rosales gave rounds 1-3 to Machida and round 4&5 to Shogun. The final judge, Nelson Hamilton gave Shogun round 1 &5, leaving Machida with the rounds in between. 

 
The zoned in crowd wanted to be highly entertained so when the fighters took the opportunity to hug for a bit (below), the roars and "BOOOO" of the crowd was a sure sign that they wanted more. Their chants and bit of 'inspiration' could be heard " Just beat him up," " We want a show,"  or " Come on, no lovey dovey, we want to see blood." This was for the championship and the crowd was looking for a knock out. 

The blows continued slowly. 

Shogun did blast many kicks but Machida's strikes were high and dangerous, this one made solid contact with Shogun's head. 

In Round 4, Machida took a dangerous stumble, that left him directly in the lane of Shogun. Like a lion pouncing on his prey, Shogun glared and his eyes bulged. Immediately as Machida fell....

Shogun went for it. Almost instinctually he pounced on Machida and threw his arms around his waist in hopes to get Machida down, to overpower him. The only thing that got in his way was Machida's quick reaction. The same second Shogun saw the opportunity to pounce Machida knew he had to get up and lightning fast. He did and although Shogun still got him it was not entirely influential. 

Sometimes the fighters are just so nice and need a hug. Okay, enough of that. This is a common sight in fighting the moment of exhaustion and positioning that can lead to a deadly hold or a restart. 

The match ended with both fighters (below) raising their arms up, exhausted yet both sure they were victorious. 

Dana White, UFC President awaits the decision. He would either be taking the belt over to Shogun Rua or wrap it around its current home, Machida's waist. 

 Then it was declared, Machida was the winner by decision. Below, Shogun's team is in shock as Machida's arm is raised. 

Above, Machida speaks post fight, "There's 3 judges and all had a unanimous decision that I won the fight." 

Although Shogun Rua was left with no win and no championship belt, the fans took a liking to him. His team was proud of him and he felt he did well. 

Shogun did state that he did not give it his all the last round. Why you ask? "My cornermen were telling me I was winning the fight, so that is why I didn't press the action so much in the final round - it was because I thought I was winning," Shogun said. With the idea that he was ahead, Shogun simply played a more defensive game, unfortunately for the fans Machida also thought he was winning. This left the last round for some light punches and a whole lot of bouncing around until the horn blew. 

Shogun walked off dissappointed, " In my point of view, I think I won the last 3 rounds of the fight." Turns out he thought wrong. 

When asked about a rematch, Shogun said, "Of course I am thinking about the rematch, all the time since the fight was called. I'll fight him anywhere, anytime, it's just a matter of people wanting to put the fight together." Dana White, UFC President, seemed excited about the re-match possibility at the post fight press conference. Machida agreed that if the UFC wanted a re-match they would get one. Both fighters looking to prove themselves against once more. 

Machida held onto the championship belt and although Shogun battled him and 'maybe' should have won, the judges scores were the official decision maker...and in actuality a 'maybe' just is not good enough. 

What are your thoughts? Who should have won? Interested in a rematch? 

Info: Article/photos credit to Susana Capra

Photo stories on all of the UFC 104 fights coming as well. Please check back.