Instead of discussing the decision, let's talk about what's next for Machida, realistically. Since most people, including Dana White and the media outlets, saw the fight for Machida, does this loss really set him back that much?
Currently, it looks like Glover will get the next shot if he beats Bader impressively. If not, Davis will get the shot I am guessing.
So if Glover fights for the title next, Machida and Davis will take another fight in the meantime. If Davis wins, he'll likely get the next shot after Glover. If Machida wins his fight in the meantime, I feel like he's right back up there to possibly fight for the title after Glover and Davis, since the decision was so controversial.
Otherwise, Machida could drop to 185 and fight someone like Bisping or Munoz, both of which he'd likely beat. Then he probably is only one more win from a title shot at 185, but the problem is that Anderson is still fighting in that division and is rematching Weidman...
So, realistically, what/who do you think the UFC will offer Machida next?
Currently, it looks like Glover will get the next shot if he beats Bader impressively. If not, Davis will get the shot I am guessing.
So if Glover fights for the title next, Machida and Davis will take another fight in the meantime. If Davis wins, he'll likely get the next shot after Glover. If Machida wins his fight in the meantime, I feel like he's right back up there to possibly fight for the title after Glover and Davis, since the decision was so controversial.
Otherwise, Machida could drop to 185 and fight someone like Bisping or Munoz, both of which he'd likely beat. Then he probably is only one more win from a title shot at 185, but the problem is that Anderson is still fighting in that division and is rematching Weidman...
So, realistically, what/who do you think the UFC will offer Machida next?