The Doggy Bag: Kimbo Sliced?

I think a lot of people will agree that Shogun Rua's dethroning of [Lyoto] Machida at UFC 113 was pretty epic. It seems like he's finally capitalizing on the potential he showed in Pride all those years ago. However, I'm surprised that Shogun still throws those trademark Chute Box winging punches ala Wanderlei Silva. Although Rua obviously packs some real power in those fists of fury, do you think he would be even more dangerous if he got some serious boxing training? Or are the strange angles and unpredictable nature of those wild punches what make them so effective? Also, now that Shogun has revealed some [dings] in the Dragon's armour (buckling under pressure, dropping his hands which countering, susceptibility to leg kicks), do you see other top fighters in the division exploiting these and winning over Machida as well?
-- Matt from Scotland

Mike Sloan, reporter: Hey Matt. I agree that Mauricio “Shogun” Rua's dismantling of Lyoto Machida was stunning. While I thought he did enough to capture the title in their first battle, I didn't think he'd pull off the upset in the rematch. To be honest, I was never that big into “Shogun,” and never saw what others saw in him aside from being in exciting fights. The main reason is exactly what you are writing us about: his awkward, loopy punching style. What’s funny is that he conquered Machida with that exact style.

In my opinion, Shogun needs to watch out for fighters that can counter his bombs with short, straight and precise punches. Top level strikers who can see those looping blows or duck under them will have a good chance against him. Remember: the key is short, straight punches. They land faster every time.

Now, you asked how he’d perform if he had some serious boxing training. I think that'd be ideal for his career as long as it's not traditional boxing, because of the footwork and postures. He would be smart to learn how to properly punch for accuracy instead of his loopy strikes. He's gotten his striking into a more compact attack lately; his leg kicks are getting better and better and he’s gotten more patient. His striking has gotten a little more accurate and refined, but it still needs plenty of fine tuning for my traditional tastes.

His main flaw is how he tends to flail away with arm punches where he “wrists” his opponents instead of landing with his knuckles, much in the same mold as Ricardo Mayorga. He also has a habit of pulling up his chin when he launches his wild combos and when a fighter does that, especially when the punches are being telegraphed from Brazil, usually bad things happen when they shouldn’t. Rua also tends to bring his right hand around from his back sometimes for max power. These are facets of the game that he must improve on. And judging from what we’ve seen from the Pride tournament and UFC champion, it’s likely that he will continue to improve in these areas.

Rua is the best 205-pound fighter in the world and a pound-for-pound talent, but if he can correct the flaws I mentioned, he’ll be even more dangerous.

As for Machida, I think he played into Rua's style more than anything and got caught. Unless his psyche is hurt beyond repair from his first defeat, he’ll be back in the fold for a title in no time. Bet on it.