Where Does Lyoto Machida Go With A Win At UFC Fight Night 58?
The last time we saw Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida competing was in a failed title bid against champion Chris Weidman for the belt at UFC 175 last July. Although Machida lost the bout, his stock didn’t really plummet too much as he proved he was still a top fighter by testing Weidman in the championship rounds.
“The Dragon” will look to bounce back this weekend (December 20, 2014) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 58 from Barueri, Brazil, when he takes on No. 10-ranked C.B Dollaway. Although Dollaway is a tough fighter, many are expecting Machida to come away with the victory rather easily.
If he does indeed win, where does “The Dragon” go next?
Currently sitting at No. 4 in the middleweight rankings, a win for Machida may not increase his rank, but it will definitely keep him floating around the top of the crowded 185-pound division. It would be unlikely for “The Dragon” to gain another title shot with a win, but he would without a doubt be in line for a big name fight, and there are a few options for the former light heavyweight champion.
Former middleweight champion and former pound-for-pound king Anderson Silva will be returning to fight Nick Diaz at January 31’s UFC 183. If Silva can return to form and defeat the Stockton Bad Boy, a fight with Machida would be a huge fight for both men, the division, and the fans. However, it would be highly unlikely as the two are good friends and training partners.
Another big middleweight bout coming up next year features rising contenders Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Yoel Romero. The two men will meet at UFC 184 in February, the same night Weidman defends his championship against Vitor Belfort. The timing of these two bouts means the winner of “Jacare” and Romero would likely be in line for the next crack at the belt. The loser of this bout could end up fighting Machida, but we all know the UFC is not a fan of pairing up one man coming off a win and another coming off a loss, which could also eliminate this option.
The best option for “The Dragon” is, if he wins this weekend, a bout against Luke Rockhold. Rockhold is currently ranked No. 5 in the division and riding a three-fight win streak, with his last fight being a dominant submission win over Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 55.
“Rocky” is looking for one more big fight to boost him to a title shot, and Machida would make for the perfect test. It would also be smart for the UFC to make this scrap as it could be deemed a number one contender match.
What, or whom, should be next for Machida if he secures an expected victory this weekend?
