The UFC 104 light heavyweight championship showdown between Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida and Shogun Rua turned out to be a memorable technical battle. It'll be remembered mainly for two things: For the first time someone fought the undefeated Machida effectively and the controversial ending.

Someone finally brought the right strategy to face the ever elusive Lyoto Machida. What makes the Japanese-Brazilian karate artist so evasive is his leaned back karate stance. His head is recessed so far back, it's difficult for an opponent to land a head punch. Those who attempt to take the long journey to Machida's head are met with swift counterpunches.

The main weapon of choice for Shogun Rua in the bout was simple -- kicks to the legs and body, and lots of them. It was the perfect strategy for Shogun whose main fighting discipline is the striking martial art of Muay Thai. He worked Machida's midsection throughout the five round championship bout.

Although Shogun put up a great fight and seemed to press the action, Machida hung with him with his own leg kicks and counter strikes. The bout went the distance and the decision was razor thin. Most people feel that Shogun Rua won the bout, but few, if any, will say he won it convincingly.

Fans were surprised to hear the announcement of the judges' decision. Machida won by unanimous decision.

Invariably, when a decision is handed out on a close bout, the winner will get showered with boos. Such was the case with Machida shortly after the announcement when he took his post-fight interview. Also almost without exception, the loser will get greeted with the cheers and adoration of the fans. Shogun received this when it was his turn in the post-fight spotlight.

The Machida-Rua decision was so scrutinized and the bout was so close, UFC president Dana White promised an instant rematch in the near future.

I'd love to see a rematch and even though I feel Shogun Rua should have won the bout, I still think he should work his way back up to title contention. There is more of a payoff to fans if Rua won another bout or two before they face off again. The UFC could make a good fight now with the rematch, or they could make a great one if they are patient.

A heavyweight contender arose at UFC 104, and he may not have a realistic shot of becoming a champion.

Undefeated Cain Velasquez completely obliterated former IFL standout, Ben Rothwell during their two round affair. Velasquez, a former NCAA All-American collegiate wrestler, has shown great skill in controlling his opponents on the ground. He usually gets his opponents' arms trapped and rains down with strikes.

Although impressive in this victory over Rothwell, Velasquez shouldn't expect to have the same control over larger heavyweights like current champion, Brock Lesnar who outweighs him by more than thirty pounds. Velasquez would have to learn new tricks to survive, let alone win, against heavyweights like this.

This coming Saturday night, November 7, MMA returns to CBS. Strikeforce will be holding a first-class event for all to watch on free TV.

Fedor Emelianenko will be exposed to his largest audience to date and deservedly so. At 30-1 he's the greatest fighter in the world, hands down. He'll be facing 10-0 Brett "The Grim" Rogers whose record is probably better than his actual skill. Fedor's met world- class talent and Rogers has faced easier competition.

Brett Rogers shocked the world this summer, though, with his knockout of top five heavyweight, Andre Arlovski. The Grim has shown he has a puncher's chance at any given moment in a flight. This should lead to a compelling fight to watch this Saturday night.

David Estrada Jr. is a Mixed Martial Arts columnist for the Port Arthur News. He can be e-mailed at DavidEstrada@DavidEstrada.com