UFC 114: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson - “Don’t Call it a Comeback”

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to take on rival Rashad Evans in key UFC light heavyweight battle at UFC 114 on May 29

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With a light heavyweight title shot against new champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua up for grabs, the UFC 114 main event featuring former champions, and TUF 10 coaching rivals, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans has a special meaning behind it. For “Rampage”, he is trying to put aside some of his differences with the UFC while climbing back to the top of the 205-lb division. His task will be tough, he has dug a big hole with his verbal exchanges, and to drop his return bout would seem to end any future title aspirations.

After losing his title to Forrest Griffin in 2008, Jackson (30-7 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has earned back-to-back victories over Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine to jump back near contention. The one bout that you won’t see on Rampage’s resume is the one that was previously scheduled to take place after his TUF 10 coaching gig in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson was unable to fulfill his post-TUF obligations against Evans, which led to turmoil between him and the organization. Many in the promotion, including Evans, believed that this bout would never happen.

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After a quick retirement, an acting stint as B.A. Barracus of the famed A-Team in an upcoming movie, and some promises that he would never fight in the UFC again, Rampage is back and ready to take a bite out of Evans once and for all.

Putting all the promotion and marketing aside, the “Rampage vs. Rashad” match-up is a good one. Jackson is a solid all-around fighter who is as good defensively as he is on offense. Rampage is known to many as a highlight-reel machine with trademark slams; however, since he debuted in the octagon in 2007, he has utilized a more technical approach. Against Evans, Rampage will test him in a couple of different ways.

Rampage has solid striking ability and is more than capable of trading with Evans. Evans is just as powerful as Rampage, although, he has been known to go down fairly easy with a heavy shot to the chin. Rampage has been knocked out as well, but not since April 2005 when Mauricio “Shogun” Rua stomped him out. The edge in the stand-up has to go to Rampage, due in large to him being able to absorb punches much better.

Both fighters are excellent wrestlers, but neither likes to use it while fighting. Rampage uses his wrestling to set up vicious ground-and-pound attack, and Evans uses his more to gain a better position for a possible submission. Jackson, in my opinion, has the distinct advantage in this area of the fight.

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Intangibles are an area that can have a major impact on the ending of the bout. Evans is excellent at taking advantage of his opportunities and seems to rise to the occasion in most of his fights. While his training strategies are known to be top-notch, Jackson can sometimes seem unmotivated. Evans has a great deal of frustration built up from Jackson backing out of the first encounter; I give him a big advantage in this crucial area.

Both fighters have a lot to gain from winning this fight. A guaranteed future title shot is up for grabs, but more importantly, bragging rights are up as well. The winner will have a chance at a long career near the top of the most competitive division, while the loser may get lost in the light heavyweight shuffle.

> Don't miss our feature on Rampage Jackson's UFC 114 opponent Rashad Evans - “Looking for Gratification”

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer