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Machida talks Ortiz, Shogun and Rampage:
Interesting interview I think. I agree with most of what he has said except that Shogun was fighting for points in there first fight.
I also think the UFC planned to throw him straight into the limelight, he was meant to fight Griffin in his second fight but injuries meant that fight never happened.
On Coming To The UFC: "I did think when I came in that I deserved a higher profile," Machida admits. "Instead, they chose for me a slow path, step by step. But anything that happens to me, I try to see the positive side. If the opportunity presents itself as a longer road, no problem – I'll learn more. I'll gain more experience. I've always looked at it that way; I could still gain something from the situation."
On Fighting Tito Ortiz: "Tito is super famous in the U.S.," Machida said. "He has a lot of fans. I was in the middle of that fight between [Ortiz and the UFC], and I didn't even know why. I was there to defend my job, my spot in the company, but I was embroiled in their conflict regardless. In the middle of the fight, the fans were chanting 'Tito! Tito!' so loudly, I could no longer hear my own corner. That kind of pressure affected me without a doubt."
On The First Fight With Shogun: "[Rua] studied me a lot, and I felt he came to that fight to win by points, not to go for a finish," Machida said. "I felt I won most of the rounds. He might claim the same. We each have our point of view. I landed more power shots than he did, with the intent to finish. Everyone is human. Fighters win or lose; it's part of the game. But when a myth is created, the same people who create that myth choose to knock it down. It's happened throughout history. So I think the same sort of thing happened to me regarding the 'Machida Era' or being untouchable. No one is untouchable. When you reach the top, there's a target on your back. Everyone is studying you and gunning for you."
On Their Rematch: "For our second fight, I studied Shogun extensively," Machida said. "I managed to block his kicks, knock him down. I landed knees. But a fight is a fight. When you're in it, anything can happen. If you watch the replay of the end of the fight, he started his strike earlier, but I arrived first since I went in a straight line. I missed since he lowered his head, and his punch came over the top. Shogun even went toward the wrong side – he went toward the punch. I don't think it was something he specifically studied. All credit to him, but that's the sort of thing that happens in a fight."
On Fighting Rampage: "'Rampage' is very experienced, a tough guy, and has had great fights," Machida said. "I think it will be a great battle. It's a different type of pressure," Machida said. "It's not external. It comes from the inside. I'm the one who wants it. It's different than when one is the champion. We'll keep working hard to try and please the fans," Machida said. "On my next fight I'll give my best and it will be the 'Return of the Dragon.'"
Interesting interview I think. I agree with most of what he has said except that Shogun was fighting for points in there first fight.
I also think the UFC planned to throw him straight into the limelight, he was meant to fight Griffin in his second fight but injuries meant that fight never happened.
So embarrassed being an A-Level English student not 3 months ago.
"Methodological"!!!! That is brilliant!!!!! 
