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SteemSports Editor:
It has been a long while since we have seen The Dragon Machida score a highlight reel knockout...or really just claim a win at all. It has been quite the downhill slump for Machida since he was banned for a supposed performance enhancer, but it still seems he has the energy and motivation to fight.
His opponent this upcoming Saturday is Eryk Anders, a brawler who enjoys slugging it out but can also wrestle if he finds himself in trouble. The 10-0 record speaks volumes as Eryk has a very high knockout rating and has been fearless against sturdy veterans including Rafael Natal.
One must wonder if this is a passing of the torch match-up because at first look, it seems like a mismatch of sorts. If Machida is able to withstand the early barrages from Anders, he could outlast and outpoint to a decision with his veteran experience. It really will be about who sticks to the game-plan best.
I am a bit worried as to the condition of Machida's durability at this point; it would be a lie to claim Machida has looked anything close to a top fifteen ranked fighter in years. Luke Rockhold and Yoel Romero exposed The Dragon and finished him brutally almost embracing a new era of the middleweight division.
The light heavyweight and 185 pound staple in The Dragon is no less respected for maintaining his warrior spirit. It is admirable no matter how unintelligent the match-up may seem. Lyoto is a fighter in ever sense of the word, and I look forward to seeing how he copes with the young lion.
It will be a solid night of fights with the return of the Bullet Valentina Shevchenko as well. The list of former champions and contenders on this card isn't overwhelming, but there are a fair share of rising contenders to keep an eye on. Belem welcomes the UFC this weekend!
