Events of this week, though, may soon bring a better understanding of "The Dragon."

The 30-year-old Brazilian has six fights in the UFC, yet his case seems to have been investigated by mere patrol men of the sport. Fighters like Thiago Silva, Tito Ortiz and Remeau Thierry Sokoudjou have entered the Octagon well-equipped, only to have Machida riddle them with his style.

They were left clueless; we were left curious.

Now, a hard-hitting detective in the form of light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has been called in to take a crack. Evans will defend his belt and his 13-0-1 mark against Machida in May at UFC 98. The fight was confirmed this week when first-choice and oft-used Quinton Jackson was too banged up to accept the offer.

That means the intense, nose-to-nose gab-fest between Evans and Jackson last Saturday was just an entertaining teaser.

Instead of seeing a clash of characters, Machida gets his rightful opportunity at gold — along with a big chance to convert a skeptical audience.

The UFC saw this coming, but seemed content to put it off.

Elusive is the perfect word to describe both Machida’s style and, until this point, his chance to fight for a championship in a weight class that’s chock full of electrifying knockout artists.

Machida’s backpedaling ways haven’t exactly brought the crowd to its feet since he arrived in the company two years ago. Eight of his 14 career wins (with no losses) have come via decision, including four of six in the UFC.

Despite plenty of substance, Machida appeared to be a victim of his own style in one of the promotion’s premier divisions.

Big men make the loudest buzz in this business, after all. As an illustration, look at heavyweight Shane Carwin — another unbeaten who has rapidly entered the title picture with blazing fists and 11 straight first-round wins. Granted, the UFC’s heavyweight division is rebuilding with raw talent, but Carwin’s combination of size and style has negated questions about his overall skills.

Questions about Machida, on the other hand, haven’t been about his skills. They have been about his ability to carry a card as an attraction.

Doubt may have subsided after Machida’s vicious first-round knockout of Silva in January. The performance showed he has a bit of flash and left no bones about his readiness for a championship shot.