MACHIDA IS NEW UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

EVANS BATTLES MACHIDA IN UFC 98 (PHOTO COURTESY OF YAHOO! SPORTS)

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has a new champion. Rashad Evans entered the night as the biggest name at the top of the UFC 98 card.  However, the wiseguys knew better. Lyoto Machida, who was actually he betting favorite in Las Vegas,  is the new UFC Light Heavyweight champion after a second round knockout of Rashad Evans. Despite being a UFC champion, Evans was never exactly a fan favorite. He was actually booed at the UFC 98 weigh-in at the MGM in Las Vegas on Friday.

Machida, who has often been criticized for his deliberate fighting style, finished Evans off with a dazzling flurry of punches. In the evening’s co-main event, Matt Hughes narrowly decisioned Matt Serra in a welterweight grudge match.

Former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk lost his fight on the card.

MATT HUGHES

UFC 98 IS SATURDAY

 

UFC 98 takes place tomorrow at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Light Heavyweight champ Rashad Evans takes on Lyoto Machida. Among the other fights on the card is a grudge match between Matt Serra and Matt Hughes.

 

THE MATT SERRA/MATT HUGHES UFC BOUT TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND

HOUSTON ALEXANDER OUT FOR UFC 98

 

HOUSTON ALEXANDER

Heavyweight fighter Houston Alexander has withdrawn from this month’s UF 98 because of a broken hand. The fight card still features light heavyweight Rashad Evans and a grudge match between former welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra.

UFC 98 takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas May 23rd.