Shogun Rua demonstrated that the way to beat Lyoto Machida is to be a versatile & strong striker using varied limbs (knees, elbows, legs, hands; the earmarks of Muay Thai). Shogun Run , preparation for UFC 113, with his stunning 1st round knockout of Machida, was by using a karate champion as a sparring partner who mimiced Lyoto’s Shotokan Karate point fighting style.

The article author makes an excellent point on the dynamic effectiveness of karate over Muay Thai in ‘Striking’ paragraph @ this articles opening.
Karate is more concerned with effect rather than using the body to generate maximum physical force–which Muay Thai is famous for. A tactically powerful strike that high percentage connects with a vulnerable spot on the opponent–the karate way–is more valuable in dispatching he opponent than merely applying maximun physical force to the opponent with the hopes of overpowering.

Unfortunately for Lyoto Machida, this is exactly how Shogun defeated him @ UFC 113. Shogun Rua’s lighting fast counterstrike evaded Machida’s extended striking arm which Machida often employs in a ward-off blocking motion–too slow this time.

Karate provides the effective means to handle an aggressive opponent like Shogun Rua. But you can not be one-dimensional in exchanges–you must follow through & adapt immediately to what the skilled, versatible striker like Shogun does. Commentors can try to analyze different scenarios but these physical & sports-oriented people miss the [mental] boat. Karate is a mental discipline and it is only the trained mind that can respond effectively time after time–Lyoto Machidas secret to success. Shogun Rua’s MMA skill level was simply the first to exceed Lyoto Machida’s mental strength. The latter will be the real challenge for Lyoto going foward–good luck to those who think they can mimic Shogun Rua or merely outplot the mental fighter .

Karate_FFighter

As a former shotokan fighter, I employ this technique and have been very successful.

Most fighters would come to a STRAIGHT LINE, where distance is gauge for a “timing” attack or “counter-attack.” More so, everything is telegraph! From shoulder movement to at times, hip movement (for kicks)

Quick SKIPPING side-to-side, is most often technique I used to enter the opponent or be in range for my LINE BLITZ and then “push-away” to escape/exit out of range, or “push” your opponent for continued BLITZ.

Philip, thanks for the comment. I can’t seem to find in your blog where you discuss how a seemingly untouchable Machida could be defeated. That’s what this article is about.