Lyoto Machida vs Mauricio Rua

Round 1
They begin the round keeping some distance, Shogun comes in and Machida clinches and strikes with knees. They break and continue feeling out some distance. Shogun clinches Machida's body against the cage, keeping pressed up against the fence. Shogun is kneeing Machida's legs againt the cage, Machida breaks out and they return to the center of the octagon. Machida sends a high kick and Shogun counters with a low kick. Shogun is able to counter another strike and take Machida down, and as Machida tries to stand back up Shogun keeps him pressed up against the cage. Shogun tries for a punch and kick and Machida evades. Machida and Shogun again clash and exchhange strikes. Shogun lands a huge leg kick and Machida responds with a body kick. Shogun lands a great counter right hand. Again, Shogun lands another leg kick, he's landing them very successfully. The round comes to an end.

Round 2
They start the round slowly and Shogun tries for a big kick which misses. Shogun is taking the octagon control, clearly stalking Machida. Machida comes forward with a very succesful combination which sends Shogun back. Shogin again comes forward and Machida evades. Shogun is tempting Machida by lifting his front leg while standing. Shogun comes forward and grabs a single-leg, but is unsuccessful at the takedown. Machida is switching stances back and forth. Shogun again tries for the takedown but misses. Machida fakes and lands with a huge body kick. Shogun attempts to return the kick but Machida evades to the side. Machida appears to be taking more control of the octagon, beginning to successfully counter punch. Shogun takes the center of the cage again and is stalking Machida. They clinch and Shogun is kneeing the legs of Machida against the cage. They begin exchanging knees. Shogun is really landing some huge knees to Machida's thighs. The round closes.

Round 3
They come out with Shogun stalking Machida and lands a body kick. Machida comes forward kicking and Shogun counters. Machida seems to have problems with Shogun's timing. Shogun attempts a leg kick and misses. Machida lands a big body kick, and Shogun tries to answer but misses. The pace has slowed and they're standing in front of each other. Machida has started to come forward, but seems to not be committing. Shogun clinches again and is attempting more knees, but Machida escapes. Shogun landing more kicks, they're the most effective strikes so far this fight. Another huge kick from Shogun. Machida lands a huge punch as Shogun lands a huge kick. Shogun chases at Machida but is eluded. Shogun now seems to be countering Machida. Shogun is clearly out-striking Machida so far. They seem to be luring each other in. Machida attacks and tees off, landing a bunch of punches, and Shogun is countering with one or two counters landing. They separate and the round closes, it's a close one but Shogun appeared to control the round more.

Round 4
At the start of the round, Machida's body is clearly red. Both are inviting the other to come in and attack. They're both standing waiting for the other to come in. Machida tries to strike but doesn't connect. Shogun lands another leg kick. Shogun is really whipping the leg kicks, which are having mixed success. Machida lands a nice high kick, then slips, and Shogun tries to take him down. Machida is defending the takedown and they appear stalled. They get back to the feet, again waiting for each other to come in. Machida counters a kick with a big right hand. Shogun lands another leg kick, but Machida seems to not be countering much. Machida breaks a quick clinch with an elbow. Shogun comes after Machida with some knees and strikes. Shogun again lands leg kicks, Machida seems to be offering no offense. The round closes.

Round 5
The round starts with Shogun landing more leg kicks. Shogun lands another body kick which Machida unsuccessfully counters. Shogun just keeps landing kicks for which Machida has no answer. Machida lands a body kick, but is really not offering much of an offense. Shogin comes after Machida who just backs away. Machida tries to punch and just doesn't follow it up. They exchange some knees and clinch with Machida pressing Shogun against the cage. Herb Dean separates them and they come back to the center of the octagon. Shogun again landing a body kick. Machida lands a knee but Shogun lands 2 punches to Machida's head. The crowd begin sheering for Shogun as he's clearly taking advantage of the striking. With a minute left to go, Machida is offering nothing in terms of offense. Shogun comes in to Machida's feigning and attacks with a barrage of strikes. The fight comes to a close. Some rounds were close and could have gone either way.

Official Results:
Lyoto Machida def. Mauricio Rua via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)