Machida wants to wait

“… we just don’t see the advantage of fighting a UFC newcomer. The (Thiago) fight made a lot of sense and it was the one we wanted…. We would like to wait for Thiago to heal up. They are both 13-0, so let’s see who gets to 14 first…. Nothing personal against Thiago. It’s going to be a bummer to have to stand across the Octagon from him, but sometimes you have to fight your friends…. I text messaged (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva right after the fight on Saturday night and said we would fight Rashad next. But these guys know what they are doing. (UFC president) Dana (White) was saying that if Chuck (Liddell) got by Rashad, he would get a title shot but then Rashad beat Chuck and in that fashion (so) maybe that is the fight to promote. We would like to get a shot. (But) it’s a business and they think that that fight makes more sense right now. We don’t feel slighted.”

- Lyoto Machida from MMARated.com

Thiago has some dynamite finishing skills and I was definitely looking forward to seeing this fight. However, waiting for a fighter to recuperate is always risky and if he really wants a title shot, it would be best for him to fight now.

The Dragon vs. Thaigo Silva set for UFC 89

Undefeated Lyoto "The Guy Nobody Wants to Fight" Machida vs. undefeated Thiago Silva. If Machida hasn't earned a title shot, I don't know if he ever will get one. Because of his defensive fighting style, no big name guys want to fight him. Fighters are worried they could end up being embarrassed like Sokoudjou or lose a close decision like Tito did in his last fight. Thiago is certainly a dangerous fighter, he has wins over James Irvin and Houston Alexander in the UFC, and he is undefeated in the cage, but he doesn't really have the report card to be facing a contender like Lyoto at this point. This fight has more downside risk for Machida than it has upside for Silva, if that really matters.

Details here at UFC.com