Machida Analyzes Velasquez-dos Santos

Lyoto Machida, weighing in on UFC on Fox 1’s Cain Velasquez versus Junior dos Santos (Pictured) bout in a recent Sherdog.com interview. Machida has trained with both fighters in the past:

“They’re both excellent fighters, way above the average and living through great times in their lives. I’ve always believed “Cigano” and Velasquez would fight for the belt one day. They’ve got different qualities. Cigano is more technical: hits, moves out, a classic boxer who looks where he hits. He has focused on training with Luis Carlos Dorea, an experienced coach who knows a lot. He has been working a lot on his takedown defense and is well-conditioned.

“Velasquez moves forward more and is more aggressive -- a classic Mexican fighter. He looks to shorten the distance and use his wrestling. I sincerely believe they both have a 50/50 chance of winning. Cigano is the favorite at the beginning of the fight because of his technique and movement. But it’s hard to say. Cain has proven himself ready for five rounds. Maybe a more cautious fight would be better for him. Again, anything can happen. Cigano could be better prepared; Velasquez could come in with better boxing or kicking. I’m talking about this from a spectator’s view. The difference today is in physical conditioning and strategy. Everything else gets closer the closer you get to the fight. Details will make the difference.”