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Could Machida Be A Marketable New Star For Zuffa?

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

Recently it has been reported by multiple sources that Zuffa is making overtures toward Asia as a possible next frontier to run shows in. Lorenzo and Dana have both mentioned the Phillipines, and there is rampant speculation about a future show in Japan. Zuffa currently has a minor television contract with WOWOW in Japan. Their current roster currently contains several fighters that could draw a large live gate there. Machida fought some of his fights during the early portion of his career in Japan. Given that he is half-Japanese and a humble, approachable personality with world class fighting skills, do you think that Machida could be a central part of Zuffa's attempts to build brand recognition in Japan? Considering the fact that he is quickly disposing of his label as a "boring fighter", Zuffa could have just made their next international star. He's one of only two guys to stop Rich Franklin, he's the only man to defeat Rashad Evans or Thiago Silva (both by knockout early in the fight), he's stopped 3 of his last four opponents, he's never lost a round in the UFC and he's hardly lost any in his entire, undefeated career. Oh, and by the way, he competes in arguably the deepest weight class in the sport. I wouldn't say that Lyoto is my favorite fighter but at this point I can't see him as anything other than a major star in the sport. And he could especially prove to be a marketable one in Zuffa's alleged push into the Japanese market. What are your thoughts?

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I think Machida

Is a monster, is about to dominate 205. I was cheering for Evans, but wasn’t sure he could get to Machidas chin, and he didn’t. Looks like Brazil about to dominate 205 and 185

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z

by Wmillion on May 24, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m with ya. I’m an Evans fan. But Machida will get my $45 every time if he bring it like that.

by Rich Wyatt on May 24, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Machida is definitely becoming more marketable….anytime you finish fights like that…and can speak some English? Forgetaboutit.

http://www.mmaforreal.com

by Kelvin Hunt on May 24, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions  

read that there were alot MACHIDA! chants at last nights fight. speaking english is a MUST to become marketable in the states imo. it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough to get one’s point across. look at gsp! still can’t understand why anderson hasn’t tried harder. maybee he just doesn’t care. if machida can keep putting on performances like last night, he can become a superstar.

by bdw on May 24, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dude is trying hard to please the crowd and interact with them in his interviews, I think he’s more liked by fans for every fight that passes.

Bloody hell.

by 3PA on May 25, 2009 5:05 AM EDT reply actions  

For Sure

http://www.mmaforreal.com

by Kelvin Hunt on May 25, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

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