Machida KOs Evans for crown

Hughes wins grudge match

May 23, 2009 (5:30 p.m.)

By Andy Samuelson

Moments after Lyoto Machida claimed the UFC light heavyweight title, he delivered a message to the buzzing crowd of 12,606 still on its feet inside the MGM Grand: "Karate is back!" And after the explosive performance the undefeated Machida (15-0) had just displayed in his win over Rashad Evans, the martial art may be around for quite some time.

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  The Machida Era

  

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  A new era in the UFC begins after Lyoto Machida knocked out Rashad Evans to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Saturday night at UFC 98 at the MGM Grand.

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  Enter ‘The Dragon’ era

  May 24, 2009

  By Brett Okamoto

  In the past two years, the UFC light heavyweight championship belt has switched hands four times and been successfully defended only once, by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a win over Dan Henderson in 2007. The question now after the division’s latest switcheroo on Saturday night is will that trend continue …

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  Champion vs. Challenger

  

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  Saturday Night at UFC 98, Rashad Evans defends his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Lyoto Machida. Both fighters talk about the title fight.

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  Country boy survives bitter rival

  May 24, 2009

  By Andy Samuelson

  The hatchet might not be completely buried privately but on Saturday night it was at least squashed publically as bitter rivals Matt Hughes and Matt Serra actually hugged inside the Octagon at UFC 98.

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  Battle of the Matts

  

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  In UFC 98's co-main event, Matt Hughes silenced the on-going feud between he and Matt Serra with a unanimous decision over the Terror Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

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  Hughes mum on grudge match

  May 22, 2009

  By Brett Okamoto

  If Saturday's fight against Matt Serra is to be the final time UFC legend Matt Hughes steps into the Octagon, he isn't saying much about it. Frankly, the 34-year-old isn't saying much of anything. For a grudge match that's been built up on the basis of the two's open dislike for each other, Hughes has been noticeably quiet in the days leading up to the fight. He skipped an open workout earlier this week and, minus saying a quick thanks to everyone for attending, was equally mute at a press conference on Thursday.

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  Serra eager to settle verbal war with Hughes

  May 21, 2009

  By Brett Okamoto

  Matt Serra and Matt Hughes share the same first name, but that's about it. The two rivals are about as similar as black and white, a well-known fact that was shown once again Wednesday during a workout showcasing the fighters participating in UFC 98. "I don't go out of my way to be a smack talker, you can ask me about anyone and I'll give you my honest opinion," said Serra, a New York native. "I just don't like the guy. I'm used to fighting nice guys, it's really hard to find a guy that's not cool, everybody is pretty down to earth. I've been in the UFC since 2001 and I get along with everybody.

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  UFC 98 Weigh-Ins

  Undefeated light heavyweights Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida weigh-in Friday for their title fight on Saturday night at the MGM Grand.