Current Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida defended his belt for the first time Saturday in front of 16,000 fans at the Staples Center in Los Angeles against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
He got the win, but the fight ended in a somewhat controversial decision. UFC president Dana White confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that Rua would get an immediate rematch.
"An immediate rematch for Shogun," said white. “I think there will be a rematch in that fight. I talked to both of them and they both agreed to a rematch.”
Rua voiced his opinion at the post-fight press conference that he's welcome to a second bout with the champion.
“Of course I’m thinking about a rematch ever since the fight, and if that’s Dana’s wish and Lyoto’s wish, I’ll fight him anywhere, anytime, wherever. It’s just a matter of people wanting to put the fight together," said the former top ranked 205-pounder in the world.
Machida also expressed that he'd take the immediate rematch. “Of course if the UFC decides we should have a rematch then let’s have a rematch," said the champion.
White feels the rematch will live up to expectations.
“You never want to hear people booing the main event. It’s unfortunate. That’s why I truly believe, I think this will be a good rematch," White told the media following UFC 104.
"I think they’re both going to come in and not make the same mistakes they made this first fight. They’re going to come in and each one is going to try to win decisively.”
“I’m pretty confident the rematch will be a different fight for both guys," said the UFC president. “I guarantee the next fight is going to be much different.
“I think that the second fight will be the fight we want to see," White added. “I love this rematch. I think it’s a great rematch.
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