UFC 163: Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis - the co-main event

Former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida continues his journey back to the top by fighting yet another All-American wrestler in Phil Davis.  Machida has used his stellar takedown defense and unusual movement to stifle nearly every wrestler he has faced.  Even against the current champion, Machida's feints and attacks confused Jon Jones until he took down The Dragon and elbowed him into a hazy consciousness.  Davis has used his wrestling and reach to build an 11-1 record, with the lone setback coming against another stellar wrestler, Rashad Evans, who negated his take downs and embarrassed him on his feet.  Can Phil Davis take Machida down?  If he cannot, Davis will lose the bout on points to the most accurate and elusive striker in the light heavyweight division.  But even a ground war is no guarantee for the submission-minded wrestler since Machida brings a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  A limited striker like Davis is tailor-made for one of Machida's highlight reel counterattacks- whether it's a reverse punch or a jumping knee to the chest or something else he has yet to unveil.  But Davis's size may work in his favor when it comes to taking down the slippery karateka.  Prediction?  After being out-struck on the feet for the first two rounds, Davis looks to engage and Machida capitalizes on a sloppy combo to end the fight in the third round.

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