Easy prediction to agree with.I would have but I'm an unabashed Machida apologist. He isn't about baby leg kicks and love taps. Here's how I see it: there's tentative fighting (Machida), fighting to a decision (GSP) and full blown point-fighting (Running men Guida, Boetsch and Condit, plus Frankie Edgar, MM and Cruz frequently). The latter two types are rarely exciting unless they're put in danger or are losing, but Machida is fun for me to watch even when winning, because he'll either get the finish or do some cool shit. The Rampage and Henderson fights were too much though. It's probably safe to say at this point that unless someone Shogun's him, Lyoto vs Iron-chinned opponent = maximum 'elusiveness'.
I have to give the guy credit for knocking out Rashad Evans though. That's something even Jon Jones was apparently unwilling to do. Plus we got a contender for the best post-KO pic of all time.
Still, his last fight with Dan Henderson was among the worst I've ever watched this year, only to be outdone by Rashad Evan's lukewarm high-five match with Lil Nog.