LAS VEGAS, January 31 – Criticized in the past for his unorthodox countering style, Lyoto Machida silenced the critics in the co-main event of UFC 94 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, walking through

previously unbeaten Thiago Silva en route to a first round knockout win that solidified his case for a light heavyweight title shot.

“People, do I deserve a title shot,” asked Machida of the packed house that roared in the affirmative. “I’m ready – whenever, wherever, whoever.”

Machida peppered Silva with kicks early on, not getting touched in the process. With a little over a minute gone, the action was halted after Machida landed a low knee, but after the fight resumed, he went right back to work, taking his opponent down, and then after the two stood, dropping Silva with a knee followed by a punch to the jaw. On the mat, Machida remained in control, and when he stood, he continued to score with kicks to the legs of the still prone Silva. Despite the frustration showing on his face, the bruised up Silva kept moving forward, eventually running into another combination that put him down a second time. After rising, Silva and Machida grappled against the fence, but after Machida tripped his foe to the canvas, a right hand to the jaw put Silva out at 4:59 of the opening round.

With the win, Machida improves to 14-0; Silva falls to 13-1.