After watching dream 12 I can just say yaaaaaaawn to ufc

Thoughts on the main event:

These are probably my two favorite fighters so this was a dream matchup for me. After the fight I was REALLY impressed with both fighters.

I was a bit nervous as to how Machida would handle getting hit, being so elusive and all... but damn. Having Shogun chop on his legs and body for for 25 minutes and still fighting competitively (although you could see his movement became increasingly impaired) towards the end really impressed me. Allthough he didn't really do much damage, Machida's flurry towards the end of round 3 was easily my favorite part of the fight. His clinch and takedown defense I felt was really good too.

For Shogun's part I absolutely loved his approach.. the perfect gameplan really. GREAT legkick counters which were inflicting ALOT of damage, and they were almost ALWAYS there as an answer to Lyoto's straights (which I would consider his main offensive weapon). Like in the Liddell fight his blocking was also great the entire fight through. Bringing the fight to Machida like that... EXTREMELY rare. WOW.

As for the controversy. I had the first two rounds almost being toss-ups, but a slight advantage in both going to Shogun, the third to Machida and the last two for Shogun. When Machida was announced the winner I was kind of shocked, but in no way do I believe he was robbed, like the rest of the entire internet seems to believe. IMHO this was a real close fight and Shogun should not have taken anything for granted going towards the end.

All in all... a beautiful technical chess match. I feel bad for Machida winning when everyone believes he lost and I feel bad for Shogun who did not get the belt after employing a PERFECT gameplan PERFECTLY, and fighting one of the best fights in his career. Can't wait for the rematch.. and hoping for a KO/TKO in the later rounds.

I must admit I am new to all of this and UFC104 was the first event I watched on a stream. In the past I did see K1 fights and boxing matches though. The stream froze in the first round so I kinda missed that one and have not yet watched it again. However I did feel like Shogun deserved to win and my first reaction was rip off.

Sure, as stated above, leg kicks are not so impressive as head kicks or punches. But when I looked at the last round I felt like Machida was really hurt by it. He slowed down and walked somewhat difficult it seemed to me. In boxing they punch at the stomach as well and maybe these are also not as spectacular to see, yet it surely does damage, especially to your breathing

I heard so much about how good Machida was and therefore I was a bit disappointed to see how he fought. It happens a lot when big matches are arranged. It was more tactics than hardcore fighting. Based on that as well I was more impressed by Shogun whom at least attempted to fight in stead of counterstrike. But those counters at times were pretty massive from Machida

As soon as I have organized my laptop and desktop a bit better for HDD space/downloads I will surely watch some other events.

PS: most impressed I was by Ben Rothwell Vs. Cain Velasquez. That was not a match but pure destruction.

hope it won't happen again.. am no expert in judging competition but it was clear, no doubt about it...should be a new light heavyweight champ in favor of shogun rua..so frustrating..too bad

Machida even says he won. He says he won 4-1.

Disgusting.