UFC 175: 10 Things To Watch Out For

3. Lyoto Machida Attempting To Join An Illustrious List

Felipe Dana/AP/Press Association ImagesOnly Randy Couture and B.J Penn are on the illustrious list of being champion in multiple weight classes. Machida has the opportunity to do so and couldn't have a better opportunity. Weidman will be cautious on whether to rush in early on or look to stand-and-trade for the early portion of the first round. Nobody is better than Machida at keeping his distance away from his opponent. If they rush in, he could either finish them with a single punch like Ryan Bader learned or allow them to swing at air like Dan Henderson. He knows how to infuriate his opponents by using consistent lateral movement and waving his hands in playing mind games. Machida has looked outstanding as a middleweight so far and seems to be rejuvenated. He's proven to be more offensive in his past two fights than in the later parts fighting as a light heavyweight. If he can keep the fight standing and keep utilizing leg kicks, this is his fight to lose. Weidman had knee surgery on both knees only a few months ago. You'll have to think that Machida's game plan will be to utilize leg kicks. That strategy may be dangerous against someone, who just showed how beneficial it is to check leg kicks. Still he's more technically sound and can change levels far more quicker than Weidman. It will be just a matter of dictating the pace of the fight and not allowing Weidman to take this fight to the ground.