UFC 84 Recap: Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz - A Clash of Styles and Egos

Lyoto Machida Vs Tito Ortiz Ufc: A Classic Fight Review

One of the most memorable fights in UFC history took place on May 24, 2008, at UFC 84: Ill Will. It was a clash between two light heavyweight stars: Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz. The fight had a lot of drama, skill, and controversy, and it marked the end of an era for one of the fighters.

Lyoto Machida Vs Tito Ortiz Ufc

The Background

Lyoto Machida was a rising star in the UFC, with a perfect record of 12-0. He had defeated some of the best fighters in the division, such as Rich Franklin, Stephan Bonnar, and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. He was known for his elusive and unorthodox style, based on his karate background. He was also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making him a well-rounded fighter.

Tito Ortiz was a former UFC light heavyweight champion, who had defended his belt five times. He was one of the most popular and controversial fighters in the sport, with his outspoken personality and feuds with other fighters and UFC president Dana White. He had lost his title to Randy Couture in 2003, and had since fought to a draw with Rashad Evans and lost to Chuck Liddell. He was looking for one last shot at glory before his UFC contract expired.

The Fight

The fight was scheduled for three rounds, as the co-main event of UFC 84. The crowd was divided between the fans of Machida and Ortiz, who both had their own chants and cheers.

The first round was a showcase of Machida's striking skills, as he kept Ortiz at bay with his kicks and punches. He landed several shots to Ortiz's legs, body, and face, while avoiding any takedown attempts or counter strikes. He also scored a takedown of his own in the final seconds of the round, landing some ground and pound.

The second round was more of the same, as Machida continued to outstrike Ortiz with his speed and accuracy. He landed a hard kick to Ortiz's body and a straight left that rocked him. Ortiz tried to close the distance and clinch with Machida, but he was unable to do any damage or take him down. Machida also stuffed a takedown attempt by Ortiz and ended up on top of him in guard.

The third round was the most exciting one, as both fighters showed their heart and determination. Ortiz came out more aggressive, trying to catch Machida with his punches. He also managed to land a couple of leg kicks that seemed to bother Machida. However, Machida still had the edge in striking, landing a devastating knee to Ortiz's liver that dropped him to the mat. Machida followed up with some punches, but Ortiz survived and locked up a triangle choke attempt. He then transitioned to an armbar, putting Machida in danger of being submitted. Machida showed his composure and escaped the submission attempts, ending up on top of Ortiz as the horn sounded.

The Decision

The judges scored the fight unanimously for Lyoto Machida, with all three giving him 30-27. It was a clear victory for Machida, who improved his record to 13-0 and cemented his status as a title contender. He also earned respect from many fans and critics who had previously criticized his style as boring or ineffective.

For Tito Ortiz, it was a bitter defeat that marked the end of his UFC career. He had fought valiantly and almost pulled off a comeback in the third round, but it was not enough to overcome Machida's superior skills. He left the octagon with mixed emotions, as he thanked his fans and the UFC, but also exchanged some words with Dana White.

The Legacy

The fight between Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz is considered one of the best fights in UFC history, as it showcased both fighters' strengths and weaknesses. It was also a pivotal moment in their careers, as it propelled Machida to a title shot against Rashad Evans at UFC 98, where he became the new light heavyweight champion. For Ortiz, it was his last fight in the UFC until he returned in 2011 after reconciling with Dana White.

The fight is also remembered for its significance in MMA history, as it represented a clash between two generations of fighters: the old school vs. the new school. Ortiz was one of the pioneers of MMA, who had dominated the sport with his wrestling and ground and pound style. Machida was one of the new breed of fighters, who had evolved their skills and adapted to different styles. The fight showed how MMA had grown and changed over the years.

The Aftermath

After the fight, Lyoto Machida was praised for his performance and his potential to become the next champion. He was also awarded a $75,000 bonus for Fight of the Night, along with Tito Ortiz. He said he was happy with his victory and thanked his fans and his team. He also showed respect to Ortiz and said he was honored to fight him.

Tito Ortiz was disappointed with his loss, but he also showed respect to Machida and congratulated him. He said he gave his best and thanked his fans and his family. He also expressed his frustration with Dana White and the UFC, saying he felt mistreated and underpaid. He said he was not sure about his future, but he hinted at fighting elsewhere.

The Impact

The fight between Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz had a lasting impact on both fighters and the sport of MMA. For Machida, it was a stepping stone to his title reign, as he went on to knock out Rashad Evans at UFC 98 and defend his belt against Mauricio Rua at UFC 104. He also became one of the most respected and influential fighters in MMA history, inspiring many other fighters to adopt his style and philosophy.

For Ortiz, it was a turning point in his career, as he left the UFC and signed with Bellator MMA in 2013. He had some success there, winning three fights and losing two. He also had a brief stint in Combate Americas in 2019, where he defeated former WWE star Alberto Del Rio. He retired from MMA in 2020, but he has since expressed interest in returning to the sport.

The fight also had an impact on the sport of MMA, as it showcased the evolution and diversity of styles and skills in the light heavyweight division. It also highlighted the importance of striking, footwork, and distance management in MMA, as well as the role of strategy and game plan. It also generated a lot of interest and debate among fans and media, who were divided over Machida's style and Ortiz's legacy.

The Analysis

The fight between Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz was a masterclass of striking and distance management by Machida, who used his karate skills to frustrate and outpoint Ortiz. Machida was able to control the range and the pace of the fight, landing precise and powerful strikes while avoiding any damage from Ortiz. He also showed his takedown defense and grappling skills, as he stuffed Ortiz's attempts to take him down or submit him.

Ortiz was unable to impose his game plan on Machida, as he struggled to close the distance and clinch with him. Ortiz's wrestling and ground and pound style was ineffective against Machida's elusive and unorthodox style. Ortiz also seemed to lack the speed and power to hurt Machida with his strikes. He did show his heart and toughness, as he survived a brutal knee to the liver and almost pulled off a submission in the third round.

The Conclusion

The fight between Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz was a classic fight that showcased the evolution and diversity of MMA. It was also a pivotal fight for both fighters' careers, as it launched Machida to a title shot and a championship reign, while it marked the end of Ortiz's UFC run and his feud with Dana White. The fight is still remembered as one of the best fights in UFC history, as it had drama, skill, and controversy.

The Conclusion

The fight between Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz was a classic fight that showcased the evolution and diversity of MMA. It was also a pivotal fight for both fighters' careers, as it launched Machida to a title shot and a championship reign, while it marked the end of Ortiz's UFC run and his feud with Dana White. The fight is still remembered as one of the best fights in UFC history, as it had drama, skill, and controversy. ca3e7ad8fd