A bulked up Lyoto Machida let the world know he wants his title shot, both with his fists and verbally, after his KO of brawler Thiago Silva. Machida comfortably controlled the distance standing, landing his stylish brand of flurries, kicks and sweeps at will. In keeping with Machida’s past scalps, Silva was unable to get any offence at all going on the karate-ka. Just as the first round buzzer was about to go, Machida foot swept Silva to the ground and followed him there, knocking him out with two powerful punches. A masterpiece of a performance from “The Dragon”.

Thiago Silva’s aggressive style played right into his opponent’s hands here and he paid a dear price. A loss against the first top-tier opponent of his career will have critics wondering whether the KO artist is a legitimate elite fighter, although this may dissipate if Machida goes on to become a champ. A fight with Tim Boetsch, Stephan Bonnar or Ryan Bader might be a good way for the Brazilian to get back on the ladder.

Always a mesmerizing technician, this is the first time Machida has shown the power or brutality to be a prolific fight finisher. He was perfect here from start to finish, and the few light heavyweights who weren’t running from him before, will be now. With the winner of the Keith Jardine/Rampage Jackson fight given the next title shot, and many of the top 205 lbers tied up for now, it’s hard to think of who Machida can make look bad next. Maybe Rich Franklin would like a chance to get revenge for the TKO loss Machida gave him several years ago. Doubtful.

Jon Jones worked over a rusty-looking Stephan Bonnar for a decision victory. Jones landed the flashier strikes standing, although, when he chose to, Bonnar looked to have the edge in orthodox boxing skills. Bonnar’s inexplicable choice to lunge into the clinch played right into “Bones” Jones’s hands as a Greco-Roman wrestling superstar, as he was tossed like a rag-doll time and again. By the time Bonnar figured the Jones puzzle out, it was too late and he had lost the decision.

A below-par performance from the talented Bonnar, no doubt, but some leeway should be given him for coming off a long lay-off. Next up, he could take on Thiago Silva or Eric Schafer.

Jon Jones has range, strength, wrestling, speed and a bewildering array of strikes at his disposal. There’s no question he can be a champion some day, but the right path is to walk him slowly toward the top, accumulating him experience along the way. Tomasz Drwal or Krzysztof Soszynski/Brian Stann are about the right level of opponent for his next fight.