I don't normally do this but I went to a bookmakers today and put down money on Rampage beating Machida. Apparently I am the first person in fourteen years to ever ask to bet on a UFC fight in that shop. The guy didn't even know what I was talking about until he looked it up.
Anyway I have such confidence in Rampage that I went against my own principles and bet money on MMA. Contrary to popular belief, Rampage has kept up a steady development since being at the Wolfslair and even if this camp wasn't in Widnes, it sounds like everyone went to him and the improvements we've been seeing are set to continue.
Machida IS an awkward match for a fighter like Rampage but at the same time Rampage's strengths are transferable to any fight he is in and he doesn't need to be as strict a gameplanner as others because through core skills of wrestling and striking he is the one who can force his will on whomever he wants at any point of a fight.
He feared the takedown against Evans and it truly hampered his game. That won't be a problem tonight. Outside of Evans, only arguably Davies is a better wrestler in the 205 division. Machida isn't taking him down, not unless perhaps he softens Rampage up with kicks and body attacks, secures body clinches and tries trips and thows. But it will take too long to get to that point. That is too much time to risk getting within range of Rampage so I think Machida will be too scared to go down this route.
So Machida's only other real option to keep long range, avoid exchanges and attempt to counter with single punches and short combinations. He will avoid a firefight at all costs. He is not going to knock Rampage out this way.
Rampage has the takedown advantage in this fight. What I expect to happen is for Rampage to scare him on the feet a bit, let Machida taste his power. Rampage has dropped every opponent since being in the UFC, I expect no different here. If he doesn't finish from that, Rampage will then force a takedown on a very timid Machida without much resistance, throw caution to the wind and blast him before he finds himself in any submission attempts from guard.
Basic stuff but when someone is as good as Rampage is, the simplest ways are the best.
PS> CRE is only picking Machida because they are both Asian.
PS> You're only picking Rampage because he's trained at wolfslair.
Nubinatub - PS> You're only picking Rampage because he's trained at wolfslair.Not true. Read my post, it's a well reasoned analysis.
well I guess ur going to be losing that farm as machidas going to outpoint page over 3rds 4 the decision
Raise your hand if you care!
crickets
"through core skills of wrestling and striking he is the one who can force his will on whomever he wants at any point of a fight."
Top notch stuff! I will now take your analysis straight to the bank.
Member Since: 5/22/10
Posts: 550
God...this reminds me of when Hatton was telling people to mortgage their houses so they could bet on him vs Pac. I bet a bunch of them did to. I seriously don't get why you have to let national pride go against common sense and logic. Although at least Rampage has a shot in this fight unlike Hatton.
Member Since: 9/29/09
Posts: 288
lol @ wrestling clinic.
Like fuckery.
This is the first thing you talked about in this thread.
"Anyway I have such confidence in Rampage that I went against my own principles and bet money on MMA. Contrary to popular belief, Rampage has kept up a steady development since being at the Wolfslair and even if this camp wasn't in Widnes, it sounds like everyone went to him and the improvements we've been seeing are set to continue."
You just had to start that out and get that out of your system didn't you? You basically state that because Rampage went to wolfslair is the reason why he is steadily improving... You do realize that he lost his fight against Rashad where his whole training camp was at wolfslair, don't you? Kind of brings the credibility of this thread down imo...
Putin - Member Since: 5/22/10
Posts: 550
Nice name, hope you know what it means in spanish
Machida might not be taking Rampage down in the traditional wrestler sense(à la Evans) but he does have some pretty sneaky trips almost tailor made for a wanger like Rampage. I hope farm in your case is a 10'X10' patch in the back yard, cause I can definitely see Machida tripping Rampage to a dragon style gnp TKO!
bet365.com
bet365.com is a good place to get a account for all betting mate i use them as i bet on the football there. The UFC fights don't all come on until weigh in day apart from the main ones. Paddy power do them earlier though. Most people bet on MMA online and i know what you mean some shops don't know what it is.
I think Rampage is going to win by ko or tko but maybe he should use takedowns to win the rounds and stop Machida running around.
I had £100 on Shogun v Machida in the first fight at 3/1 i was counting the money LOL bastard judges.
Just like your Bisping call right? I will never forget that thread. 
Pack up the Vardo, Gypsy!
Rampage has incredible timing for his hooks, and specializes in covering up and bull rushing a hook out there, Machida moves in then moves out, so really Rampage has a better chance then most people give him credit for.
But as much as i want to see Rampage win by punching Machida in the face really hard, i still think Machida is just too quick and will just be able to avoid damage to out-point him.