“The fight will end in a fourth round KO by Rampage,” is Pat’s prediction.
On Saturday July 5th, 2008, only two weeks after TUF 7 Finale, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson (28-6) will square off with Forrest Griffin (15-4). Quinton is putting his belt on the line for a second time after an impressive win over Dan ‘Hollywood’ Henderson back in September 2007. Both Jackson and Griffin were coaches on the last installment of TUF 7. I must say they are not the best coaches and acted like two jokesters throughout most of the show.
About Griffin
Forrest Griffin was the very first TUF winner and since has been very impressive in the octagon. During TUF 1 Finale, Forrest Griffin and Stephen Bonnar fought for the contract and really put the show TUF and UFC in the mainstream. It was an all out brawl going back and forth between the two and you’ll expect nothing less from Forrest against Jackson here on Saturday.
About Rampage
Rampage has blasted his way into the UFC after taking out Marvin Eastman, than just 3 months later destroying one of the best light heavyweights around Chuck Liddell and taking the belt home. He then went on for a first, successful title defense with a unanimous win over Dan Henderson to unify the belts and making him the undisputed heavyweight champion. The ufc 86 odds have Jackson as a slight favorite.
This will be Forrest’s biggest fight of his career, without a doubt. Forrest stunned a lot of people after a beautiful submission on Mauricio Rua back in September to secure a title shot at Rampage. Mauricio Rua is among the best in the world and I was very impressed with Griffin’s performance, proving he has the skills to throw down with any fighter. Mauricio Rua is the last man to have defeated Rampage by a knock out which will hopefully give Forrest the mental edge.
Griffin is currently on a two fight win streak. He is very tough and has never backed down from any opponent. He should give Jackson all he can handle and may surprise him in this fight. However, Forrest likes to stand and trade shots in his fight. He says he actually likes to get hit and it wakes him up in a fight. I don’t suggest he brings that mentality ito this fight. He does not have heavy hands, but has very good kicks. Rampage, on the other hand, does carry bricks in both hands and if Forrest stands and trades shot for shot, he will get put to sleep. We all know Forrest cuts very easily and needs to be careful, so lets hope this fight doesn’t end due to a doctor’s stoppage.
How Forrest may win
Forrest does have a small size advantage. He is big for a light heavyweight and usually needs to drop 10-20 pounds to get to 205. Forrest has a good ground and pound game with decent submissions. His cardio is much better than Rampage, which will come to Forrest’s advantage if this fight goes 5 rounds. Jackson has openly admitted in the past that he doesn’t like training very hard. He may gas out in the later rounds, giving Forrest a chance to take him down.
What to look for from Rampage
Rampage is one of the most feared strikers in the sport. He has knock out power in each hand and will pounce on you and end the fight if he connects. He has a good enough sprawl defense and a pretty good wrestling game to keep Forrest at bay. He is on a six fight win streak and looking to defend his title for a second time. Rampage’s grappling and submission skills are not as sharp as Forrest’s, but I don’t believe it will be a factor in this fight. Look for Rampage to keep this fight mostly on his feet, waiting for his shot to put Forrest away.
They both have had time to heal from their injuries sustained from their last fights while coaching TUF 7. They should have no excuses and should be on top of their games come Saturday. So, sit back, enjoy the show and expect to see them try to dismantle one another.
How we predict it to happen
As long as Quinton is focused and in shape for this fight, I can’t see him losing. I’m going with Rampage landing a big shot, sending Forrest to the mat because he was trying to stand up with Rampage. The fight will end in a fourth round KO by Rampage!
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