Lyoto Machida (16-1) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (30-8)
How we got here:
Former UFC light-heavyweight champions Lyoto Machida and Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson will square off in the main event of UFC 123 in a matchup of conflicting styles.
Machida entered his first title match against Rashad Evans with an undefeated mark of 14-0, including a 6-0 run in the UFC. Fans had been critical of Machida's elusive style of fighting -- he had won four of his first five UFC fights by decision -- but a highlight-reel first-round knockout of Thiago Silva earned Machida a shot at the gold.
In a battle of undefeated fighters, Machida didn't disappoint, knocking Evans out in the second round to claim the belt and causing announcer Joe Rogan to famously welcome fans to, "the Machida era."
That era came under duress immediately in Machida's first title defense, against fellow Brazilian Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. In that fight, Rua had seemingly solved the puzzle of Machida's elusiveness, forcing the champion to engage first, then blasting him with leg and body kicks. In one of the most controversial decisions of the year, all three judges scored the fight 48-47 Machida, a decision that few fans or media pundits agreed with. UFC president Dana White granted Rua an immediate rematch, which took place at UFC 113.
Rua would not let the rematch reach a decision, scoring a first-round knockout and handing Machida his first career loss. Now, we will see how Machida rebounds after tasting defeat for the first time.
However, this could have been a much different story arc. Jackson was originally in line to fight Evans for the title, but injuries kept him from competing. The UFC opted to give the next chance to Machida, who took full opportunity.
When Jackson returned, he was offered a title shot against Machida. Rather than take the fight, though, Jackson elected to coach on "The Ultimate Fighter 10" opposite Evans. Taking Jackson's place in that title fight was Rua.
After a bizarre series of events that saw Jackson briefly retire to star in the movie "The A-Team," "Rampage" finally faced off against Evans at UFC 114. Evans controlled much of the fight to earn a unanimous decision victory, leaving Jackson 2-2 in his last four fights.
Now, Jackson and Machida will face off in a match that could have been for the title a year earlier.
After the jump, find out the keys to success for both fighters...
