The UFC 104: Machida vs Shogun main event is crucial for both its headliners, as one aspires to win a title while the other is a defending champion.
Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, the UFC light heavyweight champion, will defend his crown for the first time against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua on Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
"I hope I’ll win," Machida told UFC.com. "Shogun is a very aggressive fighter with good knees, good punching, but I’ll try to push him into my style."
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Rua, meantime, is eager to clinch a UFC title. "Lyoto is a great fighter and someone that I actually like. However, we are professional fighters and it's my goal to be the champion, so fighting him is a great challenge," he said.
"I think he is a complete fighter, good standing up and good on the ground, so the ingredients make for a great fight," added Rua.
Machida, who hails from Belem, Brazil, will also put his undefeated MMA record (15-0) on the line in UFC 104.
He scored back-to-back knockout wins this year over Rashad Evans (UFC 98) and Thiago Silva (UFC 94).
Rua, who is also Brazilian, scored back-to-back technical knockout victories this year. He defeated Chuck Liddell in UFC 97 and Mark Coleman in UFC 93. He has a record of 18-3.
UFC 104 Fight Cards
Aside from being Brazilians, Machida and Rua both revealed that the people they consider as their heroes come from their families.
Rua said his hero is older brother Murilo Ninja. "I'm a fighter today because of him. He was the guy that motivated me to get into the sport."
Machida, for his part, said his father is his hero.
He even shared to Men’s Fitness that he learned the practice of drinking urine from his father.
"I feel very well doing this. It is something I learned from my father when I was young. It really strengthens my immune system, and those who have tried this say there is no harm. I really don't recommend it to anyone. It's something my father passed on to me," he said.
Chelsea vs Liverpool Players To Watch
Are you ready to watch Chelsea vs Liverpool live stream football later? Well, I am. But before that, let's take a look at the players to watch for the soccer match.
Chelsea - Didier Drogba
The Ivorian striker is in stunning form, his partnership with Nicolas Anelka is fast blossoming into one of Europe's finest. Furthermore, his record against Liverpool is outstanding - Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel will not soon forget Drogba's efforts in both legs of last term's Champions League quarter-final.
Liverpool - Lucas Leiva
Whether or not Mascherano starts, it is Lucas who will have to step up if the Reds are to win the midfield battle. The Brazilian has improved markedly - especially in an attacking capacity - this term, but he has yet to show that he can take control and enforce against strong opposition. Will he shine, or will Xabi Alonso's absence be made more noticeable than ever before?
It's going to be a tough game. That's why me and my friend is excited for this match.
Chelsea - Didier Drogba
The Ivorian striker is in stunning form, his partnership with Nicolas Anelka is fast blossoming into one of Europe's finest. Furthermore, his record against Liverpool is outstanding - Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel will not soon forget Drogba's efforts in both legs of last term's Champions League quarter-final.
Liverpool - Lucas Leiva
Whether or not Mascherano starts, it is Lucas who will have to step up if the Reds are to win the midfield battle. The Brazilian has improved markedly - especially in an attacking capacity - this term, but he has yet to show that he can take control and enforce against strong opposition. Will he shine, or will Xabi Alonso's absence be made more noticeable than ever before?
It's going to be a tough game. That's why me and my friend is excited for this match.
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