Lyoto Machida finally a title holder

Machida's recent victory to claim the UFC light heavyweight title was definately a long time coming.  This blog is not about the fight.  Rather it is ongoing debate which Machida is a symbol. 

   15-0
   hasn't lost a single round
   over 2 years in UFC before a title shot

While 2 years seems like nothing to the casual observer, many in mma circles have wondered why he hasnt gotten a title shot sooner.  People who both like/dislike him agree; his style is boring.  No one can doubt he is a great fighter but his style is not one which brings in casual fans.  This is not a mma dillema but a sports dillema in general.  MMA has the image though of brininng the "best" fighters in the world.   It also has an image of modern, appealing to younger adults, and borderline anti-traditional martial arts.  Machida's Shotokan karate strikes are obvious compared to the Thai kickboxing strikes you normally see.  He's calculating and counter-striking which is bad for excitement (but good in actual combat). 

MMA IS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SPORTS because of its ties to actual combat.  This is why the balance between sport and entertanmaint is much more icy.  Other sports can always change the rules to make the game more entertaining.  sure they might piss off some old guys but who cares; they probably don't buy jerserys and hats.  MMA on the other hand has an air of legitemacy that makes changing rules for the sake of entertainment a little bit trickier. 

How long Machida can keep the title will be interesting.  Keeping fans interested in him is another challenge.  The sport is still in its infancy and it will be interesting how far away from actual fighting mma will go.