http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-ufcearly102409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

One writers response to the "controversial" decision.

Duane

Looks like the UFC will be granting Rua an immediate rematch. Bad news for Machida, as Rua appears to have figured him out. I have to say that I didn't think he would even get close to Machida. Leg kicks and combinations FTW!

My personal opinion, I would have thought the fight would have ended in a split decision with the final nod going to Rua. However the champ never seems to have to beat his opponent the opponent has to decisively beat the champ; and in this case he didn't do enough.

I was rooting for Rua, the underdog. I did find the commentary one sided especially Rogan. At the same time he was praising Rua, Machida was getting in his licks too. Perhaps it was because nobody expected him to do well and that Machida was going to run away with things. This was not the best Machida we've seen however this is the best Rua we have seen in the UFC so far.

I think he should have won.

i thought it was going to Rua via split decision after watching the fight. But I guess what Mike Goldberg said was right (and Dereck) that the challenger has to clearly defeat the champ, while the champ can just kinda get by with things.

I'm a Machida fan, but I thought the decision was fishy....
definitely a
Machida vs Shogun 2

I saw it rounds 2, 4 and 5 for Rua
round 3 for Machida
round one 10-10

The last two rounds were so obviously Rua's, I was very surprised he didn't get the nod. I didn't thing for a moment that Rua would do so well- his style seems tailor-made for a counter fighter like Machida. But Shogun had a great gameplan; he'd obviously reviewed a lot of footage of Machida in action, and he used it to his advantage.

I don't know what the UFC's going to do about it. The other top guys in the division have all been in title fights before, and there is no obvious contender out of them who stands out. Having said that, I would prefer both guys to have at least one more fight with other people, because it will make the rematch more interesting- seeing how they've changed their games and so on.

Good fight though. I'm not used to seeing Light heavyweights perform so well!

I made it a draw. Rounds 1&5 to Rua, 2&3 to Machida, and a share of round 4.

I dont think Machida performed well, but I dont think Rua did enough to take the belt.

Anyway, Dana is tapping the TMA market with his 'Karate Kid', so while there are still viewer markets to milk, its gonna take a KO to shift him.

I think Cain Velasquez put on a great performance in his fight, and would be a good 'inbetweener' for either until the rematch.

great fight. As much as i love Machida, I believe Rua won. Hey we've seen worse tradegies. UWC-Capital Punishment Easton vs. Bebe absolutely no way you can justify that decision Pure BS.(back me up if you've seen it) Shogun VS. Machida 2 I'm down lets go for UFC 110 make it Machida 1st title defense of 2010. I would say 109 but thats the UFC Debut of Rolles Gracie so let him be the draw. Hope Dana makes it happen.

Yes, Easton vs Beebe was a robbery, from what I've read (didn't see it).

I thought Rua won 3 rounds but then again it was real close. I enjoyed the fight and wanted to see Machida crush but it just didn't happen. I am guessing that Rua gets a rematch sometime in February or March.

My money is on Machida-who has also had the opportunity to see what Rua can do.

Duane