Winner could move closer to a shot at the 205lb title.
Former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will be hell-bent in earning the 20th win of his mixed martial arts career when he faces off against Phil Davis in the co-main event at UFC 163 this weekend.
If ‘The Dragon’ can overcome the American then he will move closer to another shot at the winner of the fight between Jon Jones and Gustafsson for the UFC light heavyweight title.
Despite at times seeming hesitant about stepping to fight for the title again a dominant victory over Davis is likely to see the Brazilian campaign for the chance to redeem himself for his submission loss at the hands of Jones at UFC 140.
Machida will look to use defensive wrestling and counter-striking to shut down Davis’ who has the stand-up and athleticism to worry ‘The Dragon’
Watch Machida take on Randy Couture at UFC 129, with the finish earning the Brazilian the knockout of the night ad of the year honors.
The biggest aspect of his opponent David will need to overcome is his unusual style of stand-up.
Coming from a karate background Machida will look to stay on the outside against Davis and use his striking to pick off points.
However, if Davis is able to close the distance he has the wrestling pedigree of being a three-time All-American wrestling champion to dominate top position and finish the fight via strikes or the fifth submission of his career.
Currently riding a two-fight win streak, another to make it three would give Davis the most momentum to his career since he started 9-0 before losing to Rashad Evans in January 2012.
Hear from Davis about his upcoming opponent and what a win would mean for his career.
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