Is a Title Shot in Machida's Future?

Lyoto Machida sailed to a decision victory last night against Gegard Mousasi, another former light heavyweight. It's strange that both fighters would drop a weight class just to face each other, but that's the nature of the business I guess. Both believed fighting lighter would lead to more success and happened to meet after shedding an extra twenty pounds. 

It was an intriguing pairing but I always hope for a KO when I watch Machida step in the cage. Otherwise his fights turn into a borefest. This wasn't one of those occasions. Machida wowed a majority of audiences, while never giving Mousasi any real chance of a win.

Check out the highlights.

Dana White said with a win Machida would more than likely receive a title shot against the winner of Belfort/Weidman. Considering the amount of time the new mainstay of the middleweight division would need to sit out for a possible title bout, he should look for one more fight in the meantime to cement his position. 

The middleweight division is finally intriguing again, with a slew of new contenders and a new champion to take them on. Machida stands out amongst them. With another solid win behind him he'll make me want to shell out $50 to watch him take on the champ.

Below is Machida's introduction to the division, using Mark Munoz as a welcome mat. 

According to reports Machida injured his foot in the Mousasi match up. If he isn't sidelined because of it and if the UFC doesn't give him an immediate title shot, there are great opponents available for him to be paired with. With several wins under his belt in the division he'll become the sole contender in fans eyes and a challenger with more credibility to take the throne. 

Ronaldo Suzo also picked up a significant victory. With it he is on a three fight win streak in the UFC.

After the fight Souza claimed his rights to a title shot. Have these two fight for the number one contender spot. It would be a barn burner, leaving zero room to question who deserves it. 

Or maybe give Machida a bigger name. Michael Bisping will be facing Tim Kennedy soon. If he wins, who wouldn't want to watch two of the top guys in the weight class go at it?

Any chance to see the below happen again, is worth a viewing.