UFC 104 ADX PARTY…LA CONFIDENTIAL
May 5th, 2010 by ADX Administration in EVENTS, NEWSAs the countdown to UFC 113 MACHIDA VS SHOGUN 2 approaches, ADX reflects upon the first showdown between the brazilian phenoms at UFC 104 just over six months ago… and a really fun PARTY!
…an ADX party. L.A. was buzzing that Friday as the weigh-ins for UFC 104 Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Shogun Rua were under way. Goldie and Rogan on hand to deliver their consummate wit and insights while thousands of fans watched the best of the best get ready for battle.
A couple of blocks away the ADX crew was setting up their VIP industry party at one of the best poolside venues in L.A., tucked behind the pool at the historic Hotel Figueroa at Rick’s Place, a private club decked out in Morroccan decor. Supporting sponsors, Forte Creative Media Group, Bornstronger, Ecko, Xyience, THQ, MMA Authority Magazine, and AMR completed the mix. Bringing some added color to the event, Ken Gonzalez and Dave Hiza were on site doing their radio show, Between Rounds with “Coach” Shawn Tompkins. Lovely ladies were serving up tasty food and ice cold adult beverages beneath the lights of the full moon and the Staples Center search lights. Nate Quarry was the master of ceremonies and our good friend Cung Le, Josh Thompson, Miguel Torres and Tracy Lee were on hand enjoying the gig. The night was on fire and of course some late night craziness ensued (names omitted!) An unnamed Belt holder was trying desperately to drag my ass to the rooftop at the Standard for late night tequila shots but I escaped the submission attempt. This ultimately did me no good as everyone seemed to find out that my room was a mini Moroccan palace and decided to take the party there after hours. While I can’t speak for the rest, I can honestly and happily say that it was still dark when my eyes were last open!
Then the main event, UFC 104 MACHIDA VS SHOGUN.
Being dubbed “what could go down in history as the greatest Light-Heavyweight battle of all time.” Machida vs Shogun under-delivered in a big way. A huge surprise to most.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, a legend from his days with Pride, had yet to sell the newer fans of the UFC on his incredible talent due to a lackluster performance in his previous fight. Now fully recovered from injury, it was on, or at least hopefully time to see the real Mauricio Rua.
Lyoto Machida, coming from convincing KO wins over Thaigo Silva and Rashad Evans was many people’s shoe-in to win. The age of Machida was here, “The Dragon” was in the house, undefeated and ready to claim his heir apparent to Bruce lee title. The guy no-one could connect with was ready to claim another “V”.
Unfortunately the battle never really took place. Shogun came out ready and firing devastating leg kicks from the opening bell. Machida seemed confused and unprepared, very out of character. Shogun out-Machida-d Machida throughout the fight. Machida’s body and legs were obviously battered from Shoguns kicks, yet he managed to make it through 5 rounds. Machida delivered some solid shots but none seemed to damage the Pride champion Rua to any consequence. The judges awarded Machida a unanimous decision that sparked immediate controversy. UFC president Dana White stated there would be an immediate rematch which brings us to this coming weekend… MACHIDA VS SHOGUN 2.
Hopefully, the rematch will showcase both men’s talents to their letter best and deliver a level of performance we have been waiting for (and expecting) from these two gladiators.
If you can’t be at the Bell Centre in Montreal…
ADX will be hosting a viewing party at Hennessy’s in Dana Point for MACHIDA VS SHOGUN 2 on saturday night, free admission! Come one, come all! Pretty girls, free stuff, alcohol and fights, a dream come true.
