Happy to see Machida finally getting a title shot. I'd much rather see machida vs Evans than rampage. Hopefully Machida takes the belt

It's no lesnar vs mir? I'm 100 times more excited to see evans vs machida. Mir isnt exactly great, and lesnar only wins because he's in a weight class thats too wide (most of those guys could probably cut down to at least 240, and if you watched gsp vs bj you know 25 lbs of muscle can make a big difference), and lacks the large amount of talent the other w classes have.

Mike,

It's no Lesnar-Mir in terms of PPV buys. Lesnar v. Mir will sell, Evans v. Machida will not (as well). Machida has never been promoted much and Evans has been an afterthought at light heavyweight until he took down Liddell.

It should be a terrific fight, and both guys are deserving.

Why does so much emphasis need to be placed on PPV buys? I'm guessing most people aren't in Zuffa's payroll. Why are certain fans worried about this, when obviously, the UFC isn't (they have made the bout official).

Hardcore fans are crazy about this fight. Lay fans have taken notice of Lyoto following the Thiago Silva fight.

Let's focus a little more on what goes on in the octagon, and focus a little less on the money that the UFC makes or doesn't make on PPV.

It is merely a reflection of how the UFC can milk more bucks than they've already got.

Estatic, that machida will get his well deserved shot at the title. Machida is one of the most intelligent fighters in the ufc. His skills are through the roof. Evans is very good, but I think his reign ends on May 23.

I'm worried that the matchup may make for a boring fight. I don't find either fighter to be boring individually, but they counterstrike first and only go on the offensive when the opponent leaves a real opening. Neither of them leave too many openings, that's why they're so good. I see a lot of dancing around and crowd booing in this title bout.

Very excited about the fight, but I believe Corey may be right. I'm really, really hoping it isn't the case, but I could see it happening. I'd have liked to have seen Rampage/Evans more, but just because I'm a Rampage mark. Machida is great and unique and special because of being unique. I think if he wins a lot can be done marketing this new style fighter. Boy the light heavyweight division is incredible! I'm excited about Mir Lesnar too, but equally as excited with this fight...barring of course, the result being what Corey alluded to.

I agree with Corey. This fight will be Boring and expect 5 round decision. (Machida and his Unibrow by split).

It's about time Machida gets his shot. Jackson shouldn't have been ranked higher than Machida anyway. The guy hasn't been beaten. He hasn't even come close to losing. What he did in the Thiago Silva fight was downright amazing. I think we're looking at our new Champ-to-be. I'm not downplaying Evan's skills, but Machida is one of those guys that are on another level.

Machida is as boring as they come, I have no idea how he wins - but that is the only intriguing thing about him.

Right now, the only exciting fighters emerging from the rest of the pack (in my opinion) are Thiago Alves, Brock Lesnar, Kongo, BJ Penn, Diego Sanchez, Rampage, Brandon Vera, and Roger Huerta.

I wouldn't pay $5 to watch anybody else, its just not exciting.

Rumour has it that Anderson Silva and GSP WILL happen in 2009, but only if Ontario sanctions MMA and Dana is going to try and sell out the Air Canada Centre.