Lyoto Machida is coming off of the biggest victory of his career over former light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. Machida KO-ed Evans in the second round to earn himself the UFC light-heavyweight belt. Machida weighs in about it:

"I had a lot of pressure on me because I was getting closer to my dream," Machida said. "A lot of psychological pressure. I had several plans for Rashad. I had a plan A, B and a plan C. I was very confident. I was so focused on Rashad's mistakes, I made his small mistake a huge mistake. I took advantage of that."

Machida's first title defense will come against former PRIDE tournament champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Rua is also coming off of an impressive knockout victory where he put Chuck Liddell to rest in the first round at UFC 97.  Shogun had been plagued by injuries prior to the Liddell fight and it now appears as if those injuries are no longer an issue. Machida expects Shogun to come forward and engage first, which plays right into his defensive fighting style.

"Shogun is a very aggressive fighter," said Machida. "His fighting style fits MMA really well. He's good on the ground and striking. He mixes it together really well so this makes him a very good fighter. I have experience with these kind of fighters. He's going to attack and I'm a defender so this will be good for me. The more he comes in and attacks, that's when I feel there are more openings. I'll be able to see his timing when he starts attacking. Once I find that, then I can execute my game plan."

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 104 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!